Kaneland's best season ends in regional championship

A 3-0 loss to Crystal Lake Central Friday night in the Class 2A Burlington Central regional final left Kaneland still searching for its first regional crown, but with a young team returning that elusive title might not be far away.

"It's not like this is the end of the world for us but it's going to leave a bad taste in our mouth," Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said. "Hopefully that is going to drive the kids coming back that want this. They know what it takes now. They have to come out aggressive."

No. 1 seed Crystal Lake Central jumped ahead early against the third-seeded Knights, who beat No. 2 Hampshire to reach the regional final.

The Tigers (12-6) led 2-0 at halftime, scored again five minutes into the second half and never let Kaneland get that close to scoring.

"They did a heck of a job," Parillo said. "They won every 50-50 ball. They did everything they needed to do to win this game. The first 15 minutes was nothing but nerves."

Crystal Lake Central advances to the sectional where it will have its hands full against Sycamore and its four Division I players.

"They had a target on their backs being the No. 1 seed but I think they proved it tonight they were the No. 1 seed," Crystal Lake Central coach Joe Schroeder said. "Kaneland they battled us today but I think we had the upper hand the entire way."

Kaneland ended its season at 11-9-3. In 2005 they went 11-10-1 and lost in the regional finals to Wauconda in Parillo's first season.

"The girls worked very, very hard this year," Parillo said. "It is the best season we ever had. I told the girls to learn from it. I'm proud of them, they did well. We had a good season. It was a good group of kids.

"I wouldn't be surprised next year if we do win a regional championship. We have a good core of kids coming back."