West Aurora downs South Elgin

West Aurora's offense was a model of efficiency.

The Blackhawks put just 3 shots on South Elgin's net in the first half, but those shots netted them 3 goals.

West Aurora added one more in the second half and made it stand up for a 4-2 win in Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division girls soccer action in South Elgin Tuesday.

Yulissa Espino scored twice for the Blackhawks (7-6-3, 1-2-1). Katharine Stephens had a goal and an assist, and Riley O'Brien also scored for West Aurora.

"We saw that they were pulling an offsides trap. We know we have a lot of speed up there and it was through ball, through ball, through ball," said West Aurora coach Laura Wagley.

Corinne Hildebrandt and Alena Ignatev scored for South Elgin.

After falling behind 2-0, South Elgin twice pulled within a goal, but the Blackhawks answered both times.

"It's urgency," said Espino. "We want to win, it's a conference game. It's a confidence builder to win it."

Hildebrandt scored on a penalty kick late in the first half, but O'Brien answered 31 seconds later, putting in a long shot on the ground after a long run up the left side.

Stephens got West Aurora on the board in the ninth minute. Her shot just squirted under diving goalkeeper Jourdan Valkner, then caromed off the right post. Espino's first goal then made it 2-0.

"I never really expected it because I tripped over the ball," said Espino. "But I picked up my head and found the corner."

Ignatev again got the Storm within a goal, putting in a hard shot from about 15 yards out. But once again, the Storm couldn't capitalize on the momentum. After a couple of missed chances, Espino's second goal restored West Aurora's 2-goal margin.

The Blackhawks finished with 5 shots on goal.