Girls soccer / Class 2A state tournament scouting
Girls soccer / Class 2A state tournament scouting
Where: North Central College, Naperville
When: Semifinals today at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday features the third-place game at 11 a.m. and the championship at 1 p.m.
Today’s semifinals
St. Viator (15-8-4) vs. Wheaton St. Francis (22-3-0), 11 a.m.
Storyline: It’s turned out to be a prototypical season for St. Viator’s girls soccer team. The Lions were a force in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and earned yet another deep run into the state postseason. With three state trophies — including one won by several of the players on this year’s roster — it’s clear that pride and a sense of place plays a big role in St. Viator’s success. “It’s all about the history here,” said St. Viator captain Katelyn Hammarlund, after the Lions defeated Freeport in supersectional play Tuesday night to earn a spot in the Class 2A final four. The St. Louis University-bound Hammarlund netted 18 goals two years ago to help lead the Lions to a second-place finish in coach Mike Taylor’s first year in charge of the girls program. Wheaton St. Francis’ shootout victory over the Lions’ long-time ESCC rival Benet the other night sent the Spartans into their first-ever state tournament appearance. It’s an opportunity St. Francis both deserves and appreciates. “Whether it’s club or high school, you’re playing for something bigger, and it’s a great feeling knowing that all of your hard work has finally paid off,” said Spartans superb goalkeeper Jenna DiTusa.
Who to watch: St. Viator: Katelyn Hammarlund (Sr, F, 12g, 16a), Katie Gavin (Sr, MF, 8g), Chloe Luthringshausen (Jr, F, 9g), Erin Malone (Sr, D), Katherine Petrovich (Sr, MF), Morgan Hess (Sr, GK, 1.09). St. Francis: Jenna DiTusa (Jr, GK), Anna VonderHaar (Jr, MF), Sydney Fox (Sr, MF), Andrea Gagglioli (Sr, F), Talor Bucaro (Jr, D), Katie Ramsey (Sr, MF).
The lowdown: Things were getting a little dicey late in the regular season for the Lions, who went just 3-3-1 in May while conceding 12 goals during that stretch. But Taylor’s rejuvenated club has been nearly flawless in the playoffs, and the Lions seemed inspired by the newfound dynamic duo up top (Hammarlund-Lutheringshausen). And with a healthy backline, the Lions dispatched five straight opponents to reach the tournament. “We’ve talked all year about our injuries, and they really threw us off from start to finish, but those two up front have been unbelievable,” coach Mike Taylor said. “Erin Malone has really brought together our defense, and Morgan Hess has turned the corner to become a terrific keeper for us. We told the girls heading into the playoffs the goal was not to allow anything into the back of our net, and with the help of Morgan, we’ve accomplished that. It’s all about getting here, because once you do, anything can happen, and will.”
No other 2A club in the final four has played the high-profile 3A clubs the Lions have. St. Viator’s quality big-school foes include Buffalo Grove, Loyola, Barrington and Stevenson; they each came close to a 3A final four spot. St. Viator’s strength of schedule is a distinct advantage.
Jenna DiTusa has produced 17 shutouts for the Spartans. Her deft touch allows her to distribute with ease while also playing the role of a pseudo-sweeper when needed. The same can be said for Amy VonderHaar, who is usually stationed deep, just in front of the St. Francis backline, and will tackle, win balls, and mark the best their opponents have.
“At this point, everyone here has a very good ballclub,” Taylor said. “St. Francis beat a team at the supers that we’re very familiar with (Benet), so we know they will give us a great game. If you play your best and you’re beaten, then they’re the better team today and we go forward from there. That’s about all you can ask for when your in the final weekend of the season.”
Glenwood Chatham (19-4-2) vs. Normal University High (19-5-1), 1 p.m.
Storyline: Glenwood paced its way into the last four with an impressive 3-1 victory over defending state champion Triad last week before easily getting past Springfield and then Morton in the supersectionals to secure its fifth state visit in program history. Area fans have a the chance to see several of the Titans’ top stars in recent years when coach Jay Lipe brought his club north to compete in the annual Prospect Knights Invite, where they were frequent guests in the finals on Saturday afternoon. The Titans are led in scoring by Abby Juhlin (16g, 10a) and Kelly Graves (12g, 10a).
U-High advanced after defeating Lincoln-Way North when freshman Marissa Villafuente struck the game-winner in the 112th minute to send the Pioneers to their fourth trip to the tournament appearance. Lincoln-Way North’s most recent trip came in 2005 when they carried off the fourth-place tropy. The Pioneers have three returing all-sectional players from their 2011 club, including leading scorer, Olivia Crockett (26g, 10a).
— Mike Garofola