Mehlville Water Polo Team Looks For A Win

The 2010 season was a long one for the Mehlville water polo team.

The Panthers not only did not win a game during the year, but were rarely even competitive.

"We had a very young team last year and I thought we had a chance to win a couple of games but it was a very unraveling year," Mehlville coach Lucian Biesiadecki said.

Mehlville has yet to win a game in the early portion of the 2011 season. However, the Panthers have done something they did not accomplish last season and earned a tie in a match against University City.

"We really came close to winning that one," Biesiadecki said. "We had the lead but then had a couple of major injuries, a concussion and a busted nose."

Biesiadecki feels his team has shown improvements so far this season and it has to do as much with the mental part of the game as the physical.

"I feel a real sense of team bonding and camaraderie this season," he said. "There is a sense of togetherness. The returning players have stepped up and shown a leadership role and are helping the younger players. They have played smarter and that has resulted in some closer games."

Junior Zach Kerans has been the leading scorer early in the season. Seniors Ryan Dell and Liz Van Cleave have also provided experience and leadership. Dell, a four-year player, is the shallow end goalie and point person.

Junior Vedran Caus, who is the deep-end goalie, is another returning player as are junior Tyler Sanfillipo and sophomore Muharen Rekic.

"Water polo is a sport which is new to these players when they come to high school," Biesiaecki said. "They are continuing to learn the game and I feel they are more comfortable in the pool this season.

"It would be great if we can get that first win and I think there are two or three games in which we have the ability to do so."