Resek, Redwings hang on
Benet goalkeeper Rachel Resek spent some time launching herself from post to post on Monday, keeping the slate clean in a 2-0 Benet win over Wheaton Academy in girls soccer.
Goalkeepers would rather not have to make any saves, but they sure have fun when they're making big ones.
"It's just instinct, adrenaline, and the only thing in my mind is that they're not going to get anything past me," Resek said.
After Benet (7-3-2) built a lead on goals from Katie Graber and Amanda Berngard and held host Wheaton Academy (5-3) to 3 shots on frame through 60 minutes, the Warriors sent in a bevy of late hard-hit shots that Resek turned away to preserve the shutout.
"All the credit in the world to (Resek)," said Warriors coach Dave Underwood.
Benet has gone 7-0-1 since starting the season at 0-3-1, and the Redwings turned the early tide back on the Warriors thanks to one consistent quality.
"Our depth has made this team this year," said Benet coach Henry Wind. "We sent some subs in and they picked up the pace for us."
Wheaton Academy started fast and grabbed the game's early momentum, working the ball around and pressuring well. Resek went airborne to stop a Leah Fortune blast from 18 yards out in the 18th minute, and then left her line to stuff another shot after Fortune busted loose up the right side on the dribble just before halftime.
"Wheaton Academy's great, and they came out strong the first 15 minutes," Resek said. "But we settled down, got our defense organized, and we were able to shut down Fortune."
Fortune earned her share of looks on net, but couldn't get one to fall.
"She is going to beat you. Thank God she missed a couple times," Wind said.
Benet struck first in the 30th minute, after Joanna Janulis crossed a ball to the far post that Graber ran down, slid onto, and touched into net. Alli Diedrick crossed a ball that Berngard headed home in the 44th minute.
Janulis sparked the Redwings in the first half, and the Benet defense was stingy all night.
"(Sweeper) Kelly Diedrich stood out tonight," Wind said. "Every time we got in trouble, she banged the ball out for us. And Caytlin Lewin, Brynne Miller, and Maria Schwabe all did a nice job in back tonight."
Sweeper Christi Dithrich was similarly tough and on-the-spot throughout the contest for Wheaton Academy. "She reminds me of a young Stefanie Foley," said Underwood, referring to the former standout and current assistant coach at Benet.
"It's a funny game. You can feel like you've had the run of play, and you just come away empty," said Warriors coach Dave Underwood. "I felt like we did so many things right tonight, but couldn't find the back of the net."