CHAMPS! Fenwick Boys Water Polo Wins State Title

The Fenwick boys water polo team is a champion once again.

After a streak of eight straight Illinois titles and nine of 10 state wins was snapped last year in a loss to Lyons Township, the Friars captured the crown again Saturday.

Fenwick defeated Stevenson 10-4 in the championship. According to IHSA.org, five Friars scored two goals each: Matt Bresnahan, Matt Farmer, Andrew Bertschy, Trevor McLean and Justin White. 

Watch a replay of the game on IHSA.tv.

Stevenson took the early lead on a goal by Josh Weisberg, who scored one possession after a big save by goalie Rob O'Brien. Fenwick answered almost immediately on two beautiful, deep passes by goalie Tommy McGuire to Farmer and Bresnahan.

The Patriots' Mitchell Sokolsky tied the game after a penalty call to end the first period, but White answered quickly for Fenwick and Bertschy made it 4-2 at the half.

White drilled a shot early in the third period to put Fenwick ahead 5-2, but Varun Mummadi found the corner from far out to keep the game close in the third period. Farmer stole a possession and scored his second goal to make it 6-3, and White got his second goal as the third period buzzer sounded.

McLean started the scoring in the fourth period, and the game started to look out of reach for Stevenson. The Patriots made it 8-4 with 2:38 left, but it wasn't enough as the Friars pulled away to win 10-4. 

For the Friars, it's history, even if it's history repeating itself. Beloved coach Dave Perry, who led Fenwick to nine state titles, died in September 2011. Thus begins a new chapter for Friars water polo, which has dominated the Illinois playoffs since the state tournament began 12 years ago. Now his son, Kyle Perry, has led Fenwick to another title. 

"I would love to be celebrating with him," Kyle Perry said to The Chicago Tribune. "I wish he was thrown in the pool with me. He is definitely with us in spirit. We hung a huge banner at the pool. It is just one more reminder how important he is at Fenwick. He is always on my mind for sure."

Get the full box score on IHSA.org.  

HOW THEY GOT HERE

• beat Riverside-Brookfield 23-6, sectional quarterfinals
• beat Curie 10-4, sectional semifinals
• beat Lyons Township 11-8, sectional championship
• beat Homewood-Flossmoor 13-6, state quarterfinals
• beat Naperville North 12-10, state semifinals
• beat Stevenson 10-4, state championship