Girls water polo: Scouting the Elite Eight

Girls water polo: Scouting the Elite Eight

Where: Stevenson High School, Friday and Saturday

Friday's quarterfinals

Lincoln-Way East (24-8) vs. Naperville North (22-8-1), 4:30 p.m.

Stevenson (32-1) vs. Mother McAuley (31-2), 5:45 p.m.

Fenwick (22-6) vs. Chicago Lane (16-4-1), 7 p.m.

Conant (29-4) vs. Loyola (19-12), 8:15 p.m.

Outlook: Conant is making its third trip to the Elite Eight in the last four years under coach Justin Bickus. The Cougars won the Mid-Suburban League title and advanced through the Schaumburg sectional, in both instances beating a tough Hersey team in close games. Junior Olivia Olszewski leads Conant in both scoring (149 goals) and assists (49). Other key players include Nia Tsoulos (77 goals, 41 assists), Amy Rodriguez (51 goals, 40 assists) and goalie Lauren Day (290 saves; 4.64 goals-against). Conant has won 12 straight, with its last loss coming on April 14 against Lincoln-Way East. Loyola fell 9-7 to Fenwick in the MCAC semifinals but bounced back to beat St. Ignatius in the third-place game, then topped New Trier for the Glenbrook South sectional title. The Ramblers are making their first state quarterfinal appearance since 2013 under coach Kim Przekota.

Naperville North earned its spot by upsetting Naperville Central 5-3 in sectional final play. This looks like one of the best McAuley teams on record, but it's a tough draw here as Stevenson won a head-to-head matchup 12-8 on April 7. Fenwick was runner-up to McAuley in the MCAC tourney (10-9 in their final) but has held up well all season against elite competition under veteran coach John Wagner.

- Aaron Gabriel