Finishing the regular season with a strong second place finish in conference, the men’s water polo team looked to succeed in sectionals and state. However, their post season came to an end after a 12-8 loss to New Trier, according to head coach David Lieberman.

The team was 21-6-2 and 19th in state. Factors that led to the team’s success include the team’s chemistry and great teamwork, according to junior Peter Dales.

“At the start of the year, we were a bit disjointed,” Dales said. “A lot of [players] were trying to play their own game, but now we sort of have an idea how everyone plays together. So I think the team chemistry is coming around perfectly at the right time.”

According to Dales, another key factor to the team’s success has been the leadership of Lieberman and his ability to help the team grow in different aspects.

“[Lieberman] is a great coach,” Dales said. “He’s very passionate about water polo, […] and he really sets an example of leadership.”

The team has been able to grow and learn from mistakes from key games versus top teams, according to senior Tommy Haggerty.

“[A] key game [was] tying New Trier,” Haggerty said. “We were up by a lot and  we kinda let it slip, but it shows that we could definitely beat them.”

Another key game was against another high ranked team, Naperville North. The game has helped the team’s morale grow and become stronger as a team, according to Dales.

“[Naperville North] was ranked number seven in state, and we beat them,” Dales said. “So that was a big win for us because it got us on the right track in terms of team chemistry and playing together as a team.”

This year’s captains, seniors Davis Hianik and Jordan Spalding, were able to lead the team, according to Dales.