Girls soccer: South Elgin edges Glenbard South
Katrina Barthelt wasn't invited to the party, but she made a big impression.
The South Elgin freshman forward scored 2 goals to lead the Storm to a 3-2 win over host Glenbard South on Monday in Upstate Eight Conference girls soccer play.
The Raiders honored their seniors with various celebrations, but Barthelt managed to be the main attraction. She raised her season total to 26 goals.
"Everyone worked so good together," Barthelt said. "We were pressing the ball and the players, not letting them get their second touch in and winning the ball. Our coach really motivated us with a great talk.
Barthelt scored the first goal with just under 10 minutes into the match. After the Raiders (10-6, 3-3-1) tied the game late in the opening half on a penalty kick by Sam Schutte, Barthelt added her second goal with 36 minutes left in regulation.
Barthelt admitted she didn't expect to be such a major contributor so early in high school.
"I was thinking there are a lot of strong and big girls on varsity and I was scared," she said. "But now the team has helped me and I got it."
South Elgin coach Laura Szwaja said Barthelt is rounding into a more complete player late in her freshman season.
"She's feeling the pressure but plays aggressively with her mind and body," she said. "We're working on staying calm mentally. But she's loving it. She's a quiet player but then will come at you. She's got a good defensive line behind her."
"I think this is the third senior night we've been a part of, so we're used to it by now. I told them before the game that this is the hard part of the season, especially because people know what we have coming with a talented freshman."
With the win the Storm (11-3-3, 6-0-2) stayed in contention for the conference crown. It is tied in first place with West Aurora. The two teams hook up for the conference title on Wednesday at West Aurora.
"They had to stay mentally strong knowing that conference was on the line on Wednesday," Szwaja said. "They had to get a win today and focus on Wednesday on Wednesday."
Glenbard South junior forward Erin Haslett added a late goal to cut the deficit to 3-2.
"That's a really talented team, and (Barthelt) is probably the most talented player we've faced all season," Glenbard South coach Kevin Berner said. "She's so good and fun to watch. She's a special talent. Our focus is on the playoffs and we're excited to be the (regional) hosts. We have a talented team and hopefully they walk off the field feeling confident because we were carried by our seniors."