Mother McAuley water polo finishes second at state

While she was a young student-athlete at Christ the King Elementary School, Becca Engquist watched from the stands at Stevenson High School for four years as the Mother McAuley water polo team, including her big sister, Hannah, qualified for the state finals.

She watched and took it all in, seeing the Mighty Macs claim a third-place finish and two fourth-place finishes.

All the while, Engquist hoped to get her own chance to star at state.

A three-year starter in goal for the Mighty Macs, Engquist was a star performer all season for McAuley, who finished as state runner-up following an 11-5 defeat to top-ranked Stevenson on May 20 in the state championship match.

"It's crazy looking back. I was here in the stands," Engquist said. "I was up in the stands cheering up front. Now, I see my friends up there. I’m trying to be like my sister because they got so far. It's surreal. People didn't expect us to make it."

Engquist finished with 18 saves for Mother McAuley (21-6-1). Junior Andi Moriarity scored 3 goals and added an assist to power the offense.

Seniors Ella Mulchrone and Bella Morquecho had a goal apiece. Junior Kira Jacobsen passed for an assist.

For the Mighty Macs, the title game defeat certainly stung, but one loss did not take away from an impressive season. Flying somewhat under the radar, McAuley qualified for state for the first time since 2019.

"It is a little disappointing. We know in our hearts that we could have won," Engquist said. "On the other hand, we got this far. People did not think we would get this far. It's a huge success for us."

Engquist, Morquecho and Mulchrone (St. John Fisher) were team captains.

Mulchrone said the team's rebound campaign was huge after two relatively down years record-wise in 2021 and 2022 that saw both seasons end in the sectional championship against rival Lyons Township.

"This is huge for us," Mulchrone said. "It's a full-circle moment where we’re proving ourselves as a program. None of those girls who brought us here in 2019 are bringing us today. We have a whole new coaching staff and an entire new program. We’re rebuilding that legacy and starting a new one basically, proving ourselves on top."

The state trophy was the program's 14th since 2002 over 16 state appearances. McAuley won the state title in 2002, 2003 and 2007.

Morquecho was a two-year team captain and will continue her academic-athletic career at Iona University. She said the biggest step the team took forward was individual players all accepting the challenge and helping lead.

"This honestly feels so good. Last year, there was a lot of followers," Morquecho said. "Now this year, everyone stepped up and is leading. The whole team became leaders. I’m so proud of how far they’ve come. I have a lot of faith in the program to come. I’m excited to see what's next for them."

In a defensive-charged first half, Mother McAuley struggled to score and eventually trailed 4-1 at halftime to the Patriots. In the third quarter, Moriarity (St. Cajetan) scored 3 goals and Mulchrone one (five-meter penalty shot).

Moriarity's third goal brought the Macs within two goals at 7-5 with 1:12 remaining in the quarter. However, in the fourth, a dominant Stevenson defense, including star goalie Katie Delaney, held McAuley scoreless while scoring 4 goals.

Delaney, a University of Michigan recruit, finished with 11 saves.

"It felt really good in the third quarter," Moriarity said. "They weren't expecting us to score. They have a really good goalie, so that was a great feeling."

All the while, Engquist and her defense did their best to slow a deep Stevenson attack. Engquist first started playing goalie in seventh grade.

"I like being a goalie," Engquist said. "I just like blocking the ball. I like the noise it makes. I can see my teammates and talk to them and help them."

Hannah Engquist played four seasons at Mercyhurst University and recently graduated with a major in environmental science.

Coach Maggie Bax is in her second year as head coach at her alma mater.

In the mid 2000s, Bax, then Maggie Wood, helped lead the Macs to four state appearances, including a state championship win in 2007.

To be back leading her alma mater was a special moment for Bax.

"Just walking in the doors today at Stevenson was such an incredible feeling," Bax said. "I can't even imagine what these girls are feeling. They’ve never been here, so to make it to the semis and the state championship is a huge step for us. They’re super excited."

Morquecho backed up her head coach, knowing the teams before that helped establish Mother McAuley as one of the top programs in the state.

"We were singing a song earlier about standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before us," Morquecho said. "Knowing that past Mother McAuley girls have been in the same place as us, we felt like we could do this. It really boosted our confidence in the water."

As for the underclassmen who are expected to return for the 2024 spring season, hopes are as high as ever.

"This is really good motivation for us," Moriarity said. "Everyone is confident. We played well and made it this far. We’re excited for next year because we can try and get it done next year."

Mother McAuley 10

Hersey 3

The Mighty Macs raced out to a commanding 7-1 halftime advantage on May 20 and never looked back in the state semifinal match.

Moriarity (3 goals), Mulchrone (2 goals), Morquecho (2 goals, assist) and Engquist (15 saves) powered the win. Senior Evelyn Ivers (2 assists) and juniors Chloe Goosherst and Lucy Pfeiffer chipped in with a goal apiece.