Big victory leaves Naperville North happy

The Naperville North boys water polo team left its pool happy Tuesday night after beating visiting Hinsdale Central 16-4.

But there was more to their good mood than just this victory. It was the second meeting in three days between the teams.

The Huskies, ranked third in a state poll, had beaten No. 13 Hinsdale Central 14-10 in the championship match of Saturday’s Best of the West Tournament at Naperville Central. But the team wasn’t completely pleased with how it played.

Tuesday’s contest was a very physical game, and that obviously came as no surprise to Naperville North, which moved to 20-1 on the season.

“We knew how they played and we were able to get the kinks worked out from Saturday on offense and defense,” said assistant coach Ryan Stanley, who ran the team in the place of absent coach John Blumthal. “We wanted it more tonight.”

The Huskies were led by Luke Landiak’s 6 goals, 4 of which came in the first half. Eric Curia scored 4 times and Nolan Roberts put through 2 goals.

Naperville North led 8-1 at halftime and 12-3 after three quarters.

“We’re happy how we learned to adjust on offense and defense from Saturday,” Adam Nyland said. “Having faced them three days ago, they learned our style and we learned theirs.”

Nyland and teammates Andrew Rocco, Garrett Nash and Gianmarco Duin each scored a goal. Michael Shabel was the winning goalie.

Hinsdale Central (15-5-1) was led by George Koulouris’ 2 goals. Coach Martin Bell said facing the Huskies again in such a short time was not an issue.

“Naperville North is just a good team,” he said. “We wanted and needed to get out to a good start tonight and couldn’t.”

Next up for the Huskies is the Glenbrook South Titan Invite this Friday and Saturday. North opens play Friday against Evanston. The tournament also includes No. 4 New Trier, No. 16 Lake Forest and the No. 19 hosts.

No. 1 Lyons Twp. comes to Naperville North on Tuesday.