Under the guidance of veteran coach Beth Perez, the Oak Park and River Forest High School girls’ water polo team has been consistently solid. Despite returning just five varsity players from last season’s 16-11-1 squad that lost the sectional final to York, Perez is optimistic about this spring’s fortunes.
“We feel confident for the start of this season. We know that we have strong returning starters,” she said.
The returnees for the Huskies, who are 1-0 following a 15-8 victory over visiting St. Charles East, March 12, are seniors Abi Ago, Evie Hasenbalg, and Avaa Ruffer, and juniors Claire McFarlin and Yulie Wnorowska. A couple of newcomers looking to contribute are sophomore Naomi Schubkegel, a transfer from St. Ignatius, and junior Yeojun Kim who is in her second year playing the sport.
Some highlights of OPRF’s schedule are Hersey’s Girl Boss Tournament, April 11, in which all the coaches and officials of the participating schools are female; an invitational in Hudsonville, Michigan, May 1-2; and the Lincoln-Way East Quad, May 9.
Moreover, the West Suburban Silver is one of the best water polo conferences in the state, which should help OPRF prepare for the state tournament.
“Our main conference competitors are Lyons and York,” Perez said. “Both teams have been Top 10 in state in the past few years and I expect them to be strong again.”
With the lineup still a work in progress, OPRF is likely to have a few early struggles. But Perez is confident the Huskies will be much better in May than they are now.
“I hope that we will grow as a team. We have many solid returning players to varsity who have the capability of teaching the younger, newer players and teaching them well,” she said. “I anticipate us having a lot of fun and hopefully surprising our competition.”
Fenwick
The first season of Jack Wagner’s second tour of duty as head coach was rough as the Friars finished with a 3-17 record. But senior goalkeeper Regan McDonald believes things are heading in the right direction this year.
“I am feeling really confident about this season. Even though it is early, we are starting to see real progress,” she said. “Our new players are adjusting well, and the team is beginning to build strong chemistry. Everyone is working hard and we’re starting to play as a team, which makes me confident about what we can accomplish this season.”
McDonald added that practices are going more smoothly than they did at this point last year, describing it as “night and day.” She cites an increased player turnout as an important factor.
“We are able to scrimmage at practice, allowing us to work on game situations and continue building our chemistry,” McDonald said. “Since it’s our second season with Coach Jack, we’re already familiar with his style of coaching and have confidence in him. This year, we’re also doing a better job of meeting his expectations.”
Fenwick is 1-1 thus far this season. The Friars defeated Whitney Young 15-11, March 10, and lost at Lyons 17-8, March 11.
Senior Valeria Monroy is back to provide leadership alongside McDonald. Newcomers looking to make an impact are juniors Lauren Cheronis, Rose Gutierrez, and Nyah Norman, and freshmen Maya Chlopek and Alana Diaz.
Befitting its’ status as a traditional power, the Friars generally have a tough schedule each season, and this year is no different. Non-conference matches include Stevenson, March 19; Naperville North, March 25; Whitney Young, April 4; the annual East Avenue Showdown with OPRF, April 13; and York, April 15.
Matches with Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference rivals Loyola (April 1), St. Ignatius (April 6), and Mother McAuley (April 24) will also present challenges for Fenwick. But McDonald feels she and her teammates are ready.
“The key to a successful season will be working as a team, especially on the defensive side,” McDonald said. “Our defensive strategy relies heavily on communication and trust, so it’s important that we continue building this and holding each other accountable at practice. If we are successful on defense, it will give us more opportunities to counter, get set up, and succeed on offense.”