Wolverines Kick off Season against Newport

Monday, March 11th was not just the first game of the 2013 season for the Bellevue High girls water polo team. It was also their first game since 2005. Although the Wolverines faced a tough test in last year’s defending state champions, the Newport Knights, they fought hard and came away with a very encouraging performance.

Starting the game for the Wolverines were freshman Sophie French, Lillie French, Nina Stash, Maggie Ugelstad, juniors Sierra Anderson and Sophie Pasewark, and senior Claire O’Rourke. Sophomore Julie Mao and junior Sophie Quynn also provided strong minutes. Despite their relative youth and inexperience, Bellevue limited Newport to two goals through the first two periods thanks to a stingy team defense and a great performance by junior captain Sierra Anderson in goal. Offensively, freshman twins Sophie and Lillie French were able to get a handful of open shots, but were unable to sneak one past Newport’s goalie.

During the third period, Newport turned on the offense, scoring five goals and showing why they were the defending champs. Maggie Ugelstad narrowly missed Bellevue’s first goal of the season on a man-up attempt, but Bellevue kept applying offensive pressure. In the fourth period, Bellevue rediscovered its defensive pressure and held Newport to one goal. On the other end of the pool, Lillie French, Sophie French and Sophie Pasewark all had great looks but were unable to find the back of net. Late in the fourth period, Lillie French finally broke through and scored Bellevue’s first goal of the season. Way to go Lillie! When the clock hit 0:00, Newport emerged with a 8-1 victory, but the Wolverines were excited about their defensive performance.

A big Wolverine thank you to the eight members of the Bellevue Boys team, along with numerous parents and other supporters, who cheered the girls on with enthusiasm and passion!  Bellevue returns to the pool on Wednesday at 3:00pm against Shorewood at Shoreline Pool.