Water polo: Waubonsie Valley girls exceeding expectations

Waubonsie Valley girls water polo coach Chris Hagenbaumer is not shy about talking about his team's success this season.

Considering the Warriors have won 13 of their first 17 matches, Hagenbaumer is pointing toward a memorable run late in the regular season and the playoffs. The Warriors showed some promise for a breakout season following an 11-7 record last season that ended with a 17-4 defeat to eventual state champion Naperville North in the sectionals.

"We're far exceeding what our expectations were for the season," he said. "We've done very very well. We've been very competitive, with two losses to Naperville Central. We had a triple overtime loss to Loyola Academy in a two-hour (match). It was a great match, but we lost by one point. It was unfortunate."

Hagenbaumer said the play of his defense, in particular goalie Hannah Twaddell, is one of the main factors in the Warriors' solid start.

"Hannah has been amazing," Hagenbaumer said. "She's been a huge contributor to a lot of our success. She's stopping a lot of goals. Our defense is playing very effectively. We know based on games and situations the main people we should look to either double or single team. Our defense has been outstanding. We had a really good defense last year, too. Our girls grew from last year athletically and in ability as well."

After enduring a three-game losing skid early in the season, the Warriors won nine straight games, including hitting the 20-goal mark against Oak Park-River Forest and Riverside-Brookfield in back-to-back game.

"Our offense is doing great," Hagenbaumer said. 'We went into spring break doing very very well, so we're trying to get back up to that speed after spring break. We have another month to work things out before the end of season and some of those big games. We have some big games coming up, like Naperville North on Tuesday. We're looking forward to that to test ourselves against a high caliber of competition, so we can learn and grow from it."

Naperville North boys:

Naperville North boys water polo coach Kelly Reif is excited to see what her team can accomplish in a full season for the first time since 2019. The Huskies return a full squad after several talented players missed all or most of last season due to the shift in season because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Huskies have opened the season with 12 wins in their first 15 matches. Tyler Berg is the driving engine for the Huskies, with a team-best 47 goals along with 10 steals and 4 assists.

"Coming off a year where we struggled for many reasons, I'm excited to see how well the boys are playing at this point in the season," Reif said. "While we still have a lot of fine tuning to do, I have already seen a lot of progress in their fundamental skills. We're currently working on developing team concepts and game strategies as the majority of the team hasn't played together as a team. We have played a fairly tough schedule but I think that only helps to make us stronger as a team."

Two freshmen are making a big impact for the Huskies, in Jack Reif and Mason Hofmann. Jack Reif lead the team in assists (22), ranks second in steals (22) and third in goals (30). Hofmann is second with 41 goals to go with 20 steals and 16 assists.

"Those two are consistent contributors in the games on both offense and defense and have blended in nicely with the rest of the team," Kelly Reif said. "Returning players Tyson Berg and senior goalie Cooper McClure have taken a leadership role with the team's defensive efforts, while seniors, Max Zillier, Patrick Horn and Ryan Liberio have helped to round out our offense."

Reif said the Huskies' defense has stepped up early in the season.

"During most games, I've been impressed with the defense efforts of the team," Reif said. "The kids work well together to help each other and limit offensive opportunities for our opponents."

The Huskies hit a key stage of their schedule, hosting The Best of the West Tournament on Friday and Saturday, where they could face DVC rival Naperville Central and York. Naperville North also has key battles against Waubonsie Valley on April 19 and Lyons on April 26.

Naperville North girls:

On the girls side, Naperville North is aiming to defend its state championship. Thus far, the Huskies (12-1-1) are playing at a high level, according to coach Andy McWhirter.

"After winning state last year, the girls have high expectations to work hard and make a run at it again this year," he said. "We've have worked hard to build off last year and come together as a tight knit water polo team. Time is needed to continue to refine skills and focus on game strategy. The team has been strong in DVC competition and the back half of the season the girls are eager to play perennial standouts, such as Fenwick, Lyons and Stevenson."

McWhirter noted the solid play of seniors Claire Jensen, Cam Swanson, Ella Selman, Sarah Crossett and Mia Sparacino early in the season, along with junior Sophie Raquel.

Heading into the Fenwick game on Wednesday, Selman had allowed under five goals in her last five games, including a shutout against Metea Valley.

"The team is coming together as a single unit," he said. "They know where to be and can forward plan for the next offensive or defensive play. They have a strong ability to steal the ball and to take advantage of their speed for a great counterattack."