Another Neal hat trick lifts Lakes to victory

Another game, another Alex Neal hat trick.

For the second straight game, Lakes' senior star scored 3 goals, giving her 37 on the season.

Her efforts helped the Eagles to an 8-0 victory over Regina in the Class 2A Lakes sectional semifinals Tuesday in Lake Villa.

Lakes (21-6) will next take on St. Viator (18-8-1), a 6-0 winner over Vernon Hills, for the sectional championship at 7 p.m. Friday back at Lakes.

Neal scored twice, including once on a penalty kick, in the first half against Regina (10-11-1), helping Lakes build a 4-0 edge.

"All of our goal setups were great," Neal said. "It's great to get some good passes so all I have to do is beat a few girls. We have a way of building up our attack really well with our passing."

Brittany Mooney scored off a free kick and assisted on one of Neal's goals. Michelle Kosmen knocked in a header off an Alyssa Baker assist.

"I just try playing the ball where the girls can get it and score," Mooney said. "I'd rather make the play happen than score the goals."

Kosmen added her 26th goal with Baker assisting again.

Neal, Baker and Hannah Jewell finished the scoring. Kristina Umlauf and Jenna Baker added assists.

"Regina was tough and aggressive at times," Lakes coach Kevin Kullby said. "I thought they were a little overmatched with the quality of play we bring out here. We came out healthy and get to play another day. We've hoped to get this far and on Friday it might take our best game to win."