The Lyons Township High School girls water polo team’s season came to an end May 26 in the IHSA state quarterfinal round at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, falling 13-6 to undefeated Naperville North.

The favorite going into the state finals, Naperville North (27-0) continually made it difficult for the LTHS offense by applying intense defensive pressure and paying close attention to Lions’ top scorer Novalee Roberto, holding her to one goal. Allison Cabrera and Emilia Mladjan led the Lions with two goals apiece.

Meanwhile, the Huskies’ Anna Taratino — who entered the contest with 144 goals for the year — further hampered LTHS’ efforts by tallying eight goals.

LTHS goalie Allison Schroeder prepares to stop a shot thrown her way during the girls water polo state quarterfinal match against Naperville North at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LTHS’ Abby Guerra (3) plays defense during the girls water polo state quarterfinal against Naperville North at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LT’s Emilia Mladjan (middle) fights for the ball during the girls water polo state quarterfinal against Naperville North at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LT’s Allison Cabrera drives the ball forward during the girls water polo state quarterfinal against Naperville North at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LT’s Novalee Roberto looks for an opening to shoot during the girls water polo state quarterfinal against Naperville North at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LTHS’ Charlotte Land (11) battles a Naperville North player for the ball during the girls water polo state quarterfinal at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LTHS goalie Allison Schroeder looks to get her team’s offense moving during the girls water polo state quarterfinal against Naperville North at Fenwick High School in Oak Park on May 26, 2021. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
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“We fought our hearts out but in the end they beat us,” said LTHS coach Megan Jacobs of the Lions, who finish with a 20-9 record. “[Naperville North] has a really good defense.”

Despite the loss, Jacobs felt LTHS said she was proud that the program, which advanced a squad to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2008.

“[Getting to state] is a big accomplishment we’re proud of,” Jacobs said. “We had a great season. The girls fought so hard and played as a team.”

LTHS graduates five seniors, including the aforementioned Cabrera. But Mladjan and Roberto return next season along with 10 others, and the future appears bright.

“[The returning players] need to swim this summer and work on their skills. This way, we’ll come in ready next year,” Jacobs said.