Girls water polo / Scouting Lake County

North Suburban Conference

LibertyvilleCoach: Tracy Balla (fourth season)

Last season: 7-17 overall, 1-3 NSC; lost to Stevenson in sectional semifinals

Key players lost: Michaela Olsen, Hayden Marth

Returning players: Katie DeAcetis (Sr., goalie), Margaux Scally (Sr., 2m defender), Anna Heard (Sr.), Cate McCarty (So.)

Outlook: The Wildcats have several players returning in key positions, with a number of promising sophomores and juniors moving up to varsity this season. "This team definitely has the potential to have a better record than last year and create a strong foundation for the future," said coach Tracy Balla, whose Wildcats are off to a 2-0 start with victories over Hoffman Estates and Deerfield. Anna Heard scored 8 goals and Cate McCarty tallied six to lead the offense, while Katie DeAcetis was solid in goal stopping 7 shots in the two wins. And the defense allowed only 3 goals.

MundeleinCoach: Mike Vukovics (third season)

Last season: 24-9, lost to Stevenson in sectional finals

Key players lost: Abbie Lukas, Amanda Garcia, Carolyn Westgate

Returning players: Ella Krauss (Sr.), Casey Parker (Sr.), Angela Kordick (Sr.), Natalie Gray (Sr.), Hannah Stanley (Jr.), Sydney Bradshaw (Jr.), Audry Kasemets (So.).

Outlook: The Mustangs are expecting great things this season. "We have great leadership from our returning players and captains," coach Mike Vukovics said. "And this is the first time I have witnessed a connection amongst our swim program and polo program. We have 16 new players who came over from swim." The Mustangs' speed will allow them to play fast and counter against opponents. "We are a team that focuses on hard work, fundamentals and a team-first mentality," Vukovics said. "If we apply these three things, good things will happen." Winning the North Suburban and a state appearance are goals for Mundelein this spring. "We are very young, but the girls want to be great and are all coachable," Vukovics said. "They have the right mindset. Now we just need to put it all together."

StevensonCoach: Jeff Wimer (22nd season at Stevenson, 30th overall)

Last season: 35-1, 4-0 in NSC, sectional champions, state champions

Key losses: Illinois Player of the year Claire Haas (USC), Eileen Hoang (Wisconsin), Amelia Eastman (Maryland), Bella Greenspan (Illinois), Brigitte LeFebvre

Returning players: Lauren Maloney (Sr.), Eleanor Michaud (Sr.), Kalista Tapas (Sr.), Shreya Shredhar (Jr.), Anna Mossakowski (So., goalie).

Outlook: The Patriots lost some big guns to graduation, but plenty of firepower returns, including Eleanor Michaud 61 goals, 62 assists last season) and Kalista Tapas (62 goals, 50 assists). "We have some very seasoned veterans with lots of experience," coach Jeff Wimer said. "We also have a lot of hungry and anxious girls wanting to make their mark and get playing time. Only time will tell." There are plenty of other players to keep an eye on, including seniors Anne Baldino and Kelly Kempf, juniors Hanna Cloeter, Maddy O'Donnell, Alena Bardic, Maddie Meirhaeghe and Valerie Zlotnikova, and sophomores Maggie Bauwens, Anna Gates and Maria Mossakowski. "We have a lot of room to grow and develop into a cohesive group," added Wimer. "We are all looking forward to the season and have some fun along the way."

WarrenCoach: Sarah Zink (third season)

Last season: 5-13 record

Key players lost: Jackie Oehlerking, Nicole Baelum (Goalie)

Returning players: Jessie Oehlerking (So. Utility), Anna Erpenbeck (Jr. Center), Jordan Elkinton (Jr. Utility)

Outlook: In only their third season as a program, the Blue Devils were thrilled with last year and look to keep up the momentum. "We're building a strong base and developing more nuanced players," coach Sata Zink said. "Our schedule allows us to spend a lot of time developing in the early part of the season, and then our back half will be our time to put our skills into a lot of fun games. The girls show incredible leadership, commitment and friendship, and that translates into a strong team that is poised to make this a great year."

Central Suburban North

Vernon HillsCoach: Katie Ahlgrim (first season)

Last season: lost in sectional play-in game

Returning players: Abby Kamai (Sr.), Hannah Kramer (Sr.), Riya Shah (Sr.), Katie Gheysen (Sr.), Steph Chang (Jr., goalie), Allie Pappas (Jr.), Kim Zhou (Jr.), Brittany Garcia (Sr.), Elizabeth Friday (Sr.), Katelyn Kries (So.), Alyssa Olivia (So.), Zosia Okinczyc (So.), Caroline Ewing (Jr.).

Outlook: The Cougars open their season March 16 when they host their own invite which will include Barrington, Mundelein, and Wheeling.