Girls soccer: Regina Dominican ousts Christian Liberty
Regina Dominican will play Willows Academy for a Class 1A girls soccer regional Friday after a 6-2 victory over tournament host Christian Liberty Academy on Wednesday in Arlington Heights.
The host Chargers (7-7-0) stunned their guests when freshman Veronique Tolpygo scored her 18th goal of the season just moments after the opening whistle. But Regina Dominican roared back to strike for three of its own before the intermission to all but end the hopes for coach Morgan Elzinga's Chargers.
"We had a great start, but unfortunately our youth and inexperience might have done us in today, because when we went down 2 goals it was the mental part of the game that we struggled with," said Elzinga. "Regina was the better team, but the girls showed a lot of heart and desire by playing hard right until the final whistle, which included Ava (Bennett) scoring in the 80th minute to prove this team plays hard no matter what the score or result is."
The Panthers' dynamic duo up top, Anelise Leahy and Grace Steffen, caused most of the trouble for Christian Liberty during the first half. And although Chargers captain Signe Bennett did well to keep her back line organized with its off-sides trap, Leahy and Steffen figured a way to solve the Chargers' tactical approach.
Laura Strenk, one of several freshmen in the starting lineup for Regina (8-7-1), equalized for the visitors in the 11th minute before Leahy bagged the eventual game-winner with the first of her 2 goals.
Paulina Waresiak helped the Panthers add to their lead six minutes before the intermission. And then 3 goals within 14 minutes ensured victory for first-year coach Katie Bak's club.
"We turned to a freshmen in goal today because Becky Davis, whose been amazing all year for us, was out with an injury," said Elzinga. "That freshman, Caroline Chung, really stepped up to make a couple of great saves, while being fearless in the box when challenged.
"Chargers soccer has a bright future because the girls had a great work ethic, were easy to coach, and always wanted to do the things needed to improve."
Elzinga's roster included nine freshmen and sophomores, including the team's two leading scorers, Tolpygo and Bennett. They combined for 30 goals this season.