Chavez clutch for Curie

Outside the pool, Curie freshman Eduardo Chavez is soft spoken, but confident. Inside the pool, you can see why.

Chavez scored four goals and had two assists and four steals Saturday at UIC to lead the Condors to a 11-9 victory over Young to claim its third consecutive Public League boys water polo championship.

"‘I like the pressure," Chavez said. "I like knowing you can either win or lose in that moment. I want the ball because then there’s no one else to blame." Chavez's fourth goal with 3:41 to play in the fourth period gave Curie a 10-8 lead.

"Every time we play a big-time opponent, he steps up," Curie coach Omar Vazquez said. "He takes the ball, does what he has to and just scores." Ramiro Almaraz had three goals and Spencer Harstead scored both of his goals in the fourth for Curie.

The Condors never had a lead bigger than two goals, but also never trailed.

"Everybody on this team has the ability to score and everyone has the talent to contribute," Vazquez said.

Raul Ariza (four goals), Mark Wilcoxen (two goals, assist), Nader Ammar (two goals) and goalie Jon Wong (15 saves) led Young.

Carlos Barcenas made seven saves for the Condors.

Curie now sets its sights on becoming only the Public League team to qualify for the IHSA state tournament at next week's sectional at UIC.

"We want to get a trophy for the school," Chavez said.

When it's pointed out the Condors just won one, Chavez's response - like himself - is subdued, but steadfast.

"A state trophy," he said. "We want a state trophy."