Improving Lakes finishes third at Prairie Ridge

Relying on senior leadership is looking like a winning strategy for the Lakes girls soccer team

Behind their senior captains — sisters Leah and Jenna Baker, and Katie Mason — the Eagles are putting together a winning season while quickly learning with an overall young group on the field.

Lakes managed to take third place on Saturday with a 6-0 victory over Belvidere North in the final game of the Prairie Ridge Tournament in Crystal Lake.

“It’s definitely a big change,” said Leah Baker, who has been a key player for the Eagles the last three years, including last season’s run to a Class 2A supersectional appearance. “It’s nice because we’re winning and our record is better than last year. Leadership by example is what we’re doing for the younger girls.”

Leah Baker scored twice and assisted on another goal for Lakes (10-7-1) in the final game Saturday. Jenna Baker, Maya Schmitt, Megan Soderland and Paige Coddington knocked in the other goals; Sarina Umlauf, Soderland and Schmitt also had assists.

“We’re finally coming together and playing as a team,” said Leah Baker, a midfielder. “I think it’s the team bonding that’s helping us come together.”

Lakes keeper Kara Jones earned the shutout without having to record a save. Defenders Hannah Jewell, Nicole Mogged, Mikaela Brown and Mason helped keep the ball safely away from Jones.

Lakes lost its game Saturday morning to South Elgin 2-0 after having dropped its opener to tournament champion and host Prairie Ridge 5-0 on Friday.

Prairie Ridge (11-3-1, 3-0) won the tournament title with a 2-1 decision over South Elgin in the championship game.

“The other two teams were much faster and they had the better of the play,” said Lakes coach Kevin Kullby. “It showed with the results. It was nice to end on a good note to a comparable team with the way we scored goals.

“Now we look forward to (NSC Prairie) play to keep our division hopes alive.”

The Eagles (4-0) host Grant on Thursday and visit Vernon Hills May 7.