THE SKINNY
The Evanston girls water polo team wasted little time putting its match against Maine South out of reach Thursday evening in Evanston. The Wildkits scored five goals in the first quarter and led 7-0 at halftime en route to a sizable CSL South victory.
TURNING POINT
Evanston’s first shot of the game was a penalty shot taken by Courtney Gregori with 5 minutes, 43 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Gregori’s attempt hit the crossbar, but the senior was able to control the rebound and score. Gregori’s goal was followed by first-quarter scores from senior Madison Collins, sophomore Honore Collins, senior Aliya Abdelhak and senior Karissa McBride. Honore Collins and Madison Collins are sisters.
THE STAR
The Wildkits’ defense was exceptional throughout the match. It was anchored by sophomore goalie Olivia Everhart, who made nine saves.
BY THE NUMBERS
The Wildkits (13-5, 1-1) had seven players score in the match – Edie Block and junior Millie Rosen both scored in the second half – and Honore Collins put in a team-best three goals. Kamila Orzech recorded the lone goal of the match for Maine South (10-7, 1-2). She scored with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter.
QUOTABLE
“We’re definitely a defensive team first, but then we try to get opportunities from the defensive end. … That happened a few times tonight, especially at some crucial moments where we [generated] advantages – three-on-two, two-on-one – on the offensive end.” — Evanston coach Andy Miner
