Tournament victory warms Grant's heart

One way to make it warmer on a chilly day in late March is simply to win.

Grant's girls soccer team did just that Monday morning on a header from Sophie Finerty in a 1-0 victory over Waukegan in the opening game of the Rams Invite in Grayslake.

“We'll take any win that we can get,” said Grant coach Michael Kennedy, whose team is 2-3. “We still need to work on 50/50 balls, just be competitive and play hard.

“Right now, they don't realize that we do have talent. Maybe some girls are lacking some confidence. We'll take our time throughout this tournament and improve ourselves.”

Finerty scored the winning goal for Grant in the 30th minute on a header that was set up by Kassie Stimpson.

“I was making a run for the middle, since it was coming from a corner kick,” said Finerty, a sophomore. “It was the first time I've done it in a varsity game.”

Jennifer Jones earned the shutout and made 3 saves in goal for Grant. There was also help in back with Stimpson, Trisha Palmieri, Shelby Stuparits, Briana Miller and Haley Dierks.

“Kassie Stimpson controls the back and is our vocal leader from Day 1,” Kennedy said. “We need to work on closing the gap.”

Waukegan (1-5) stayed right with Grant for most of the first half, but the goal turned things in favor of Grant for the rest of the game.

“First half, we came out pretty strong until (Grant) scored,” Waukegan coach Jose Fernandez said. “We just made a mistake in the middle.”

Ÿ Grayslake Central produced an outburst of 7 goals in the first half and cruised past visiting Round Lake 10-0 in the other tournament game Monday. Skyler Jessop scored her first-ever hat trick in the first half and played in goal for the second half.

Alex Wilson and Jordan Larson both scored twice. Savannah Mudd had a goal and an assist, and Sarah Gauger and Emma Shepard had the other goals. Emily Schrader picked up 3 assists, and Jocelyn Gaughran, Kelly Jay and Allie Black also had assists.

“Our possession has been real strong lately,” said Jessop, who has 4 goals and an assist already this spring. “I just make a lot runs into the through balls and it makes it a lot easier.

“We just not afraid to shoot, and we're going a lot more to the goal.”

The Rams (3-0) have outscored their opponents 13-0, but Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou still sees room for improvement.

“Ball movement was phenomenal,” McCaulou said. “Shots and services are great creating a lot of chances.

“I think it's the girls' hard work and dedication. It's the first time in nine years of coaching that I've had a huge group of juniors and seniors. I think this group really wants it — it shows in their teamwork.”

The second round of the three-day tournament continues Tuesday. Grant plays Round Lake at 10 a.m. and Grayslake Central hosts Waukegan at noon.