Resilient Rams share FVC Fox lead

Skyler Jessop saved 3 penalty kicks, and Savannah Mudd scored in regulation, as Grayslake Central’s girls soccer team rallied to edge host Grayslake North 2-1 in a shootout Thursday night.

The win moved Grayslake Central (10-6, 4-1) into a first-place tie with Grayslake North (12-6-1, 4-1) in the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division. Hampshire, which is 3-1 in the FVC Fox, visits Grayslake North on Tuesday.

Grayslake Central prevailed over Grayslake North 3-2 in kicks.

“Our girls were very resilient,” Rams coach Mike McCaulou said. “We came out flat and let in a soft one but found a way to battle. I am proud of our program.”

Grayslake North led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a goal by sophomore Chelsea Olson off an assist from senior Andrea Lamb. The Knights twice hit the crossbar in the second half.

“We came out playing quality soccer,” Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. “We just could not find the final touch to put Grayslake Central away. We managed to score halfway through the first half but seemed to take our foot off the gas and allow Grayslake Central a bit more time and space to operate.”

The competitive match included a pair of overtime periods.

“Even throughout overtime, we created chances and had opportunities to win the game, but credit to Grayslake Central,” DeCaluwe said. “They fought hard to get to penalty kicks and converted their PKs when they needed to.”

Lakes 3, Elgin 0: On Friday, the host Eagles got Leah Baker’s 10th and 11th goals of the season and Jenna Baker’s 12th, while Cara Jones made 6 saves in earning her eighth shutout of the season.

Hannah Jewell added a pair of assists for Lakes (12-7-1) in the nonconference match. Katie Mason also had an assist.