Chicago Sun-Times top girls water polo teams and individuals

TOP 5 TEAMS

1. St. Ignatius: Star Becky Insalaco graduated, but the rest of the Wolfpack lineup returns intact as they attempt to defend their first state title. Tammy Stelnicki leads the way, with her sophomore sister Jenny in goal. Rebecca Martinez, Diana Fernandez, Karen Juarez and Maggie Maloney also star for this loaded team.

2. Fenwick: The Friars suffered a setback when star Cara Borkovec moved to California, but they have more than enough left in the cupboard to make a run to a state title. Colleen Barron and Alexa Ovalle lead the way, while sophomore Catie Wallace is a breakout candidate.

3. Mundelein: The Mustangs are searching for their first IHSA title. Karrie Kozokar, the early favorite for player of the year, leads them into the season. Allison Boothe flanks her offensively, while goalie Anna Ward anchors the defensive end.

4: Mother McAuley: The Mighty Macs graduated five starters from a team that finished third in the state last season, but they still have plenty left to make another run. Clare Bryar is one of the state’s best players. She is supported by Fran Williamson and Mary June O’Connell.

5. Naperville North: The Huskies didn’t reach the state tournament last year, but expectations are high with just about everybody back. Sophomores Katie Horn, Caitlin Holzer and Taylor Stoner help fuel the high expectations.

Top players

Kristina Altuve, Naperville Central; Katie Appell, Oak Park-River Forest; Colleen Barron, Fenwick; Allison Boothe, Mundelein; Clare Bryar, Mother McAuley; Lexi Buglio, Fenwick; Becky Callen, Stevenson; Julia Cohen, Lyons; Marta Considine, Loyola; Sarah Dolitsky, Sandburg; Julie Eiken, Naperville North; Diana Fernandez, St. Ignatius; Melissa Gartenberg, Stevenson; Sam Gavars, Barrington; Katie Horn, Naperville North; Shannon Kent, New Trier; Liz Klock, Lincoln-Way Central; Karrie Kozokar, Mundelein; Katie MacDuff, Naperville North; Rebecca Martinez, St. Ignatius; Mary June O’Connell, Mother McAuley; Alexa Ovalle, Fenwick; Hannah Schultz, Bremen; Michelle Spaits, Naperville Central; Jenny Stelnicki, St. Ignatius; Tammy Stelnicki, St. Ignatius; Allison Travetto, Stevenson; Catie Wallace, Fenwick; Anna Ward, Mundelein; Fran Williamson, Mother McAuley.