Girls lacrosse: New Trier stops Hersey's surprise run in supersectionals
New Trier made it a quick end to a magical season for Hersey's girls lacrosse team Tuesday in Arlington Heights.
New Trier scored two goals in the first minute of play and then cruised to a 14-3 win over the Huskies at the St. Viator supersectional at Forest View.
New Trier (22-2) advances to the state semifinals on Friday. The Trevians will meet Lake Forest, which beat Crystal Lake co-op 11-2 at the Hoffman Estates supersectional.
It was Hersey's first appearance in the state supersectionals. It is a massive accomplishment for a program that is in just its second season.
"I am very, very proud," Hersey coach Mary Byrne said. "It is invigorating on how many young players we have that are just picking up sticks. They have really bought into it."
New Trier opened up a 5-0 lead only eight minutes into the game.
Hersey (16-2) got on the board on a goal by Kailee See with 16:49 left in the first half. The teams then traded goals with Kelsey Neary scoring both times as the Huskies trailed 8-3 with 22:03 to play.
"In a corny way, this game was a dream come true," Neary said. "Because I want to be challenged. I don't want to win every game. This is how you get better and putting our program on the map."
New Trier then put the game away, scoring five consecutive goals, ending the Huskies' hopes.
"We have a lot of support from the school," said Byrne, whose team got a glimpse playing New Trier what the next steps will be to compete at the upper levels of the sport.
"Everyone is way into it, helping us with whatever we need."
Byrne's team was coming off their inaugural season a year ago. The Huskies went 14-1 that season and set the tone for this season.
The Huskies battled hard all year. They won the MSL East title and then the MSL championship.
"Nobody wants to let anybody down," Byrne said. "We have had 100% attendance at practices. That is half the battle with most teams. Winning the MSL title was a huge accomplishment. It is not an easy conference."
The Huskies are already looking forward to next season. They graduate just eight seniors and have 52 others that will return. Byrne is also looking to the area club teams for more players.
"Girls want to compete," Byrne said. "Girls are athletes and they are phenomenal athletes. We have all kinds of girls playing from violinists to singers from the chorus. Lacrosse opens up lots of spots."
Jackie Konsewicz, who is senior and been a member of the team for both seasons, said that her and her graduating seniors have left a legacy behind.
"Being here is a feeling like no others," Konsewicz said. "Two years ago I never picked up a stick and didn't even know about this sport. There is no way I would ever thought I would end up here in a supersectional."