Friars should win again; Macs will be tested

Defending state champion Fenwick should have no problem securing a fifth consecutive boys water polo state title when the quarterfinals begin Thursday at Stevenson. But it might not be that easy for defending girls state champion Mother McAuley.

Naperville Central probably will be Fenwick's toughest competition if the Redhawks (26-4) get past Stevenson (18-14) in the first boys quarterfinal at 4:30 p.m.

Fenwick (29-1) takes on Schaumburg (24-7) in the last quarterfinal at 8:15.

''Schaumburg will give all they have,'' Fenwick coach Dave Perry said, ''and we must be ready for them.''

Friars utility man Chris Wendt said even though Fenwick already has beaten four state qualifying teams -- Naperville Central, York, Lyons and Stevenson -- a five-peat isn't a lock.

''We think Naperville Central will be the best game,'' Wendt said. ''All the teams are good. We have to play every game with a high intensity.''

Lyons (17-8-2) also is hoping to go up against Fenwick. The Lions will play Glenbrook South (28-1) at 5:45. Lyons' Peter Bruton scored the game-winner in an especially sweet 11-10 triple-overtime sectional win over Brother Rice. The Crusaders had knocked Lyons out of the state tournament last year.

In the other boys quarterfinal, Sandburg (28-5) plays York (17-13-1) at 7.

In the girls tournament, also at Stevenson, Mother McAuley (20-7) plays a quarterfinal on Friday against Evanston (15-14) at 7.

McAuley beat Fenwick in 2007 for the state title, but Fenwick (25-4) beat McAuley three times this regular season.

Mighty Macs goaltender Patty McNamara acknowledged a fear factor with Fenwick, and teammate Meghan Nolan said McAuley has something to prove.

''We've kind of been written off this season toward the end,'' Nolan said. ''Everyone's been thinking we're slipping.''

Fenwick opens with Homewood-Flossmoor (20-10-1) at 4:30. Stevenson (27-6) plays Fremd (26-1) at 5:45, and Loyola (22-11) plays Naperville Central (22-11) at 8:15.