Metea Valley’s girls’ water polo team opened their season with a strong performance against Lincoln-Way Central, securing a 13-9 victory. The Mustangs set the tone early, establishing their offensive presence and maintaining control throughout the match.
The season opener provided an important opportunity for the team to gauge their chemistry and identify areas for improvement. Head coach Melissa Hines reflected on the importance of the game in shaping the team’s approach moving forward.
“Our first game always lets me see how the chemistry of the girls is and shows our strengths and weaknesses and what we need to work on at practice,” Hines said. “We are going to have some tough games this season against teams we beat last year after graduating nine seniors.”
Despite losing a significant number of experienced players, the Mustangs showed resilience and teamwork in their first game of the season. The team’s offensive efficiency and defensive organization helped them maintain control against Lincoln-Way Central. Early in the match, Metea’s aggressive approach allowed them to build a lead. While Lincoln-Way Central attempted to close the gap, the Mustangs responded with key goals to keep the momentum on their side.
One of the standout moments of the match came late in the second quarter when senior Allison Bludgen intercepted a pass near mid-pool and quickly advanced on the counterattack. With Lincoln-Way Central defenders closing in, Bludgen found senior Amelia Hervey cutting toward the goal. Hervey received the pass, took a quick fake, and placed a precise shot past the goalkeeper, extending the Mustangs’ lead and igniting the crowd.
The game was also an early test of the team’s ability to handle pressure. With Lincoln-Way Central fighting to stay in the game, Metea had to stay composed and execute their strategies effectively. Returning players stepped up, contributing to a well-balanced attack, while new faces adapted quickly to the pace of varsity competition.
Hines expressed confidence in her team’s ability to grow and improve as the season progresses.
“I have a great group of girls that work really hard and support each other,” Hines said. “No matter what our record is this year, I am very happy to have this group to represent our school and program.”
The Mustangs will continue non-conference play leading up to DVC matchups against Neuqua Valley on March 25.
With a strong foundation established in their opening win, Metea Valley looks ahead to a competitive season, and they aim to build on their success and prepare for the challenges ahead. Last year, the team made a deep playoff run, reaching the sectional finals before falling to Naperville North. This season, they hope to take that next step to state.
