Save records for Bieliauskas, LTHS girls going back to state

For good and bad, senior goalie Martynas Bieliauskas stopped lots of shots this season for the Riverside Brookfield High School boys water polo team. 

“Not always the best stat to have but I’ll take it,” Bieliauskas said. “It’s a good reflection on me. I try. That’s all I can say.” 

When senior teammate and friend Avi Ponnappan checked halfway through the season, Bieliauskas’ total saves were on pace for historic proportions.  

On May 7, Bieliauskas passed the documented single-season school record for saves after a single-game school-record 37 against Homewood-Flossmoor in the regular-season finale.

He added more because the Bulldogs won their Lyons Township Sectional opener 13-5 over Solorio May 13.

The previous documented single-season saves record was 184 by Noah Breit in 2019. 

“I think I definitely save a lot more than let in. That’s what I try to do, just have a good game,” Bieliauskas said. 

The Bulldogs (4-16) lost to Brother Rice 19-8 in the sectional quarterfinals Thursday but with an overall young group, they surpassed their three wins of 2024 and won a postseason match for the first time since Ponnappan and Bieliauskas were sophomores.

“It’s really relieving,” said Ponnappan after the Solorio victory. “We’ve had a lot of close games recently and it’s nice to see that it’s finally paid off, especially in a game that matters so much.”  

The Crusaders (28-1), a top-five state-ranked team, defeated Lyons Township (16-12), the defending state champions, in the sectional final 19-14 Saturday after jumping to a 5-1 lead in the first quarter. Brother Rice had beaten LTHS 15-9 March 22.

LTHS girls water polo

Because of concussion protocol, senior Maya Mladjan could only watch the 2023 sectional final as Lyons Township lost to Mother McAuley with a state quarterfinal berth on the line. 

After the Lions beat McAuley 12-4 for the LT Sectional title Saturday, Mladjan had her eye on LTHS state finishes posted on the pool wall.

“I think we have a chance to make it to the final,” Mladjan said. “I think the girls are hyped up. I’m hyped up. I’m going to knock on wood, but maybe we can get another one of those state champion trophies.” 

The Lions (22-4-1), finished third in state last year for their fourth state trophy, have made the finals only once, winning the 2010 championship.

Another trophy won’t be easy. They open against St. Ignatius (19-6-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday at Stevenson. The semifinals and finals are Saturday.

LTHS and St. Ignatius tied 5-5 April 5. The Lions’ losses include possible championship or third-place opponents Stevenson and Evanston. 

“There’s been a lot more team bonding (this season),” said senior goalie Delaney Judkins. “We are going against a couple of really good teams that we haven’t been able to beat but with that bond we have grown, I feel we have a chance.”  

Offensive leaders include Bella Recker (87 goals, 45 assists), Mladjan (63 goals, 31 assists), Bebe Wright (36 goals, 57 assists), freshman Maddie Wieczorkiewicz (34 goals, 23 assists) and Avery Watanabe (18 goals, 29 assists). Judkins has 211 saves.

“We’re stronger with our connections and chemistry in the water,” Recker said. “I think we’re going into the state tournament ready to play hard.” 

RBHS girls water polo

RBHS senior co-captains Bella Gonzalez and Liv Dobbe helped the Bulldogs improve, bond and become better singers.

The program said goodbye to seven seniors in all after losing to Mother McAuley 12-0 in the Lyons Township Sectional quarterfinals May 14.

The Bulldogs (2-14) had just one team this season after two levels the year before.

“I’m going to remember the progress we made,” Gonzalez said. “(Varsity only) was a big adjustment to make. A lot of people had to step in and I’m proud of all of the people that did.” 

Dobbe said bus rides to matches were one of her best memories over four seasons, three on varsity.

“I love when we do Disney music. I really love, ‘Let it Go.’ We’ll sing the chorous on that one,” Dobbe said. “Not only have I made some of my best friends but getting to spend time with them (was memorable).” 

The co-captains agreed the team made great strides this season with its zone defense and teamwork. Gonzalez will coach water polo for the first time this summer at the Village Field Club. 

RBHS coach Amy Frey is optimistic because many of the seniors have incoming freshman sisters with experience. Frey said the 13-6 loss at Metea Valley May 1 was indicative of the progress.

“If felt like we won that game because everything was finally clicking for us. Losing games like that is OK if we’re doing everything we can,” Frey said.

“Their game sense progressed a lot (this season). Their defense and willingness to try new things really changed from the start of the season to now.”

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