Girls soccer: Youth movement working for West Aurora

West Aurora girls soccer coach Laura Wagley received a welcome sight during the Blackhawks' summer camp last June.

"The six freshmen I moved up (to varsity) came to summer camp," said Wagley. "I had no idea about them. They were sitting over here and I was walking across the field with my assistant. I was like, 'those look like soccer players. We're moving them up.' "

So far, the plan looks ingenious.

One of those varsity newcomers, Audrey Stephens, scored a pair of second-half goals as the Blackhawks (5-1) rallied to a 2-1 victory over Plainfield East (1-1-1) during Friday afternoon's opening round of the Blackhawk Tournament in Aurora.

Since dropping a 3-2 season-opening decision to Wheaton Academy, the Blackhawks have compiled a 5-game winning streak during which they have outscored their opponents by a 14-5 margin.

Good numbers for a team that finished 8-12-1 last season.

"Getting those early wins is huge for us and building our confidence up with finishing," said Wagley. "Today, Audrey had two goals as a freshman."

With the wind at its back, Plainfield East grabbed a 1-0 lead on a goal from senior forward Shannon Coughlin in the 11th minute.

"So far this year we have been a first-half team getting out on teams early," said Wagley. "Today, I don't know (what happened). We've been on break and haven't been really focused I guess. We came out way better in the second half."

The momentum began to shift midway through the second half, as senior forward Katharine Stephens and junior midfielder Riley O'Brien seized control.

Katharine Stephens' steal and tough-angle shot deflected off the hands of Bengals keeper Alison Cosola (5 saves), setting up a wild sequence that included four West Aurora corner kicks in a 2-minute span.

A few minutes after junior Marlene Sanchez' shot attempt rattled off the post, the Blackhawks notched the equalizer following a rush by Audrey Stephens.

Utilizing her open space, Stephens quickly stopped and let a Bengals defender overrun the play before delivering a left-footed 20-yard blast into the back of the net.

"I stopped because I'm a lefty so I wanted to get it on my left foot," said Stephens. "I tried to get it inside the far post."

Nearly 5 ½ minutes later, the Blackhawks capitalized on a defensive miscue for the game-winning goal.

Attempting to clear the zone, an errant Bengals pass found the right foot of O'Brien, whose short crossing pass was headed in by the younger Stephens for a 2-1 Blackhawks lead.

"It was nice," Stephens said of O'Brien's assist. "I just tried to get a head on it."

Senior keeper Bailey Ziman recorded 5 saves for the Blackhawks, who resume tourney action on Saturday against East Aurora and Rosary.

"We don't have to rely so much on Katharine (Stephens) anymore," said Wagley. "Teams are still going to double- and triple-team her and we want teams to do that because that opens up her sister who is going to be just as good as she is.

"I knew right away that the six freshmen were going to fit right in. They all play club so I knew they wouldn't miss a step."