After having last season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lyons Township High School girls water polo team is very excited to be playing this year.
“I tell the girls not to take this season for granted as we’re so lucky to be playing and to give it your all as if this were your last game of the season,” said LTHS coach Megan Jacobs.
The top offensive players this season for LTHS are senior Allison Cabrera, junior Novalee Roberto and sophomore Emilia Mladjan, while sophomore goalkeeper Allison Schroeder is a player to watch.
“Our team’s strengths are our positivity, effort, and fight not to give up, as well as our driving offense and team defense,” said Jacobs, in her first full year as head coach. “In order to get where we want by the end of the season, we need to improve our outside shooting and counterattack.”
OPRF’s Jasmine Wood (5) waits before passing on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against LT at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
LT’s Evie Reinisch (10) looks to pass on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against Oak Park and River Forest at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
LT’s Novalee Roberto (13) swims after the ball on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against Oak Park and River Forest at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
OPRF’s Annabelle Richert (7) looks to pass on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against LT at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
LT’s Abby Guerra (3) looks to pass on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against Oak Park and River Forest at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
OPRF’s Jasmine Wood (5) battles for the ball on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against LT at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
OPRF’s Jasmine Wood (5) passes the ball on Thursday, April 8, 2021, during a varsity water polo match against LT at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, Ill. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
On April 8, LTHS defeated visiting Oak Park and River Forest 16-6. The Lions view themselves as contenders for the West Suburban Silver title, along with OPRF and York. LTHS fell to the host Dukes 18-17 on April 1 in a nail-biter, but Jacobs is confident the Lions can win the rematch. She also feels the league is wide-open this spring.
“After losing a whole season due to COVID-19, it’s really anyone’s game at this point, and we’re excited to capitalize on that and put our best efforts into growing as a team and winning more games as our season progresses,” Jacobs said.
LTHS has a busy week ahead with matches on three consecutive days — April 13 at home versus Morton, April 14 at Mother McAuley, and April 15 at Hinsdale Central.
