Senior and returning first team all-stater Bella Recker made huge contributions to the Lyons Township High School girls water polo team reaching last year’s state championship game.
The Lions’ second-place finish, the program’s highest ever only to their 2010 state championship, has them eager for what would be a fourth state quarterfinal berth in the past five seasons.
“There’s been a collective buzz full of anticipation for the season,” Recker said. “Last year’s success has carried over to this year’s preparation and enthusiasm through creating a team atmosphere where everyone is very excited and ready to grow together towards continuous improvement this season.”
The Lions finished 24-5-1 last season and added to their team trophies for taking third in 2024 and 2022 and fourth in 2015. As huge underdogs, they lost to undefeated, No. 1-ranked and two-time defending champion Stevenson at its home pool 6-5 for the title after leading 4-2 entering the fourth quarter.
Lyons Township’s goal keeper Taylor Thalji (1) sends the ball up the pool against Fenwick during a nonconference game Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Western Springs, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Lyons Township’s Eileen Cavaliere (14) tries to get a pass off against Fenwick’s Nyah Norman (12) during a nonconference game Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Western Springs, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Lyons Township’s Avery Watanabe (10) looks for an open teammate against Fenwick during a nonconference game Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Western Springs, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Lyons Township’s Rose Frank (6) passes the ball against Fenwick during a nonconference game Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Western Springs, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Fenwick’s Aurelia Auteri (22) looks to make a pass against Lyons Township’s Bebe Wright (13) during a nonconference game Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Western Springs, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark)
Seniors Bebe Wright, Avery Watanabe, Rose Frank and Abbey Danaher, junior Eileen Cavaliere and sophomore Maddie Wieczorkiewicz also are returning starters or experienced returnees. Seniors Katie Coyne and Isabelle Maslan and juniors Claire Collins and Eve Muscato also saw 2025 varsity action. Newcomers are sophomores Lindsay Jablonski and Caroline McNaughton, both promoted for the postseason, Kerryn Monohan and goalie Taylor Thalji.
The Lions (2-2) won their opener over Fenwick 17-8 March 11 and were 1-2 at the Stevenson Tournament Saturday, beating Lincoln-Way East 16-3 while losing to the host Patriots 18-5 and Punahou School from Honolulu, Hawaii 16-5.
Recker (18 goals, 6 assists), Wright (4 goals, 12 assists), Wieczorkiewicz (4 goals, 6 assists) and Watanabe (5 goals, 2 assists) are among the team’s offensive leaders. Thalji has 28 saves.
“Some team strengths are attitude, chemistry, and speed,” Recker said.
Last year Recker was among six non-seniors on the 10-player all-state first team. She led the Lions with 96 goals along with 48 assists and 58 steals.
Recker also was first team all-sectional. Wright (43 goals, team-high 68 assists and 83 steals) was second team and Watanabe (28 goals, 40 assists, 23 steals) was honorable mention.
In 2024, Recker was second-team all-state in 2024 after a team-high 113 assists while being second in goals (85) with 39 steals. Wright (30 goals, 22 assists, 73 steals) and Watanabe (15 goals, 23 assists, 26 steals) also made significant contributions in 2024.
LTHS coach Megan Jacobs was named last year’s Coach of the Year for the state and sectional.
“I hope to work alongside my fellow teammates and see improvement individually and team-wise,” Recker said. “I wish to continue to grow our team chemistry and see what we can do. I aspire to keep playing the sport that I love at the highest level possible.”
RBHS girls water polo
After saying goodbye to seven seniors, the Bulldogs return this season with 10 players.
Team members are seniors Bella Abernathy, Claire Cameron and Kate Zobel, juniors Meara Douglas, Andi Ginder and Carly Romero, sophomore Mia Torres and freshmen Becca Gonzalez, June Manning and Monica Miranda.
“Strengths are communication and a willingness to learn and teach each other,” RBHS coach Amy Frey said. “I have many new players this year, which means we have been focusing on learning the game rather than strategy or other ‘higher level’ drills. Each player is kind, brings a positive attitude, and all love to work hard.”
Abernathy is a fourth-year player, and three-year starter Romero and goalie Douglas are third-year players. Ginder returns after also playing freshman year.
Riverside-Brookfield’s June Manning (13) takes a shot on goal against Metea Valley during the Red Devil Invitational Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Bella Abernathy (16) looks to make a pass against Metea Valley during the Red Devil Invitational Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Carly Romero (5) fires a shot against Metea Valley during the Red Devil Invitational Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Bella Abernathy (16) tries to get a pass past Metea Valley’s Rachel Carter (4) during the Red Devil Invitational Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s goal keeper Meara Douglas (1) blocks the shot by Metea Valley during the Red Devil Invitational Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Hinsdale, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark)
“Bella was a strong player for us last year who is going to be a very important player and has earned her starting role. Already we have seen her defense improve tremendously,” Frey said.
New seniors coming from the volleyball program are Cameron, that program’s all-time leader in career assists, and Zobel. Frey is also the volleyball team’s varsity assistant coach.
The Bulldogs lost to Lincoln-Way West 13-3 in the fifth-place match at the Hinsdale Central Invite Saturday.
Last season, the Bulldogs finished 2-14 and lost to Mother McAuley 12-0 in the sectional quarterfinals.
“Goals for the season are to improve each game and have a good time doing it,” Frey said. “Before each game, I set a non-score related goal for us to focus on, and if we have achieved that goal, we won the game.”