Wrap: CLS falls; Hilltoppers to play for sectional title

After 120 minutes of scoreless soccer, two things became clear -- both Stevenson and Crystal Lake South were looking for a regional title, and both were willing to fight for it.

Unfortunately, only one team would walk away with regional championship honors.

The ultimate decision would come via the shootout.

Following opening goals by each team, Stevenson buried two more while containing Crystal Lake South for the 3-1 shootout conclusion, and the 1-0 regional title victory.

Taylor Connington got the Patriots (11-6-1) on the board planting the opening goal attempt into the upper right corner.

Carly Juliano quickly evened things up for South pushing a rocket into the bottom left.

Colleen Grady stepped up for the Patriots second knock, and after South's shot deflected of the right goalpost, Stevenson keeper Courtney Levy left the net for a new perspective.

After 120 minutes of blocking shots, a dozen to be exact, Levy wanted the chance to take a shot of her own.

That goalkeeper mindset enabled her to push one past Crystal Lake's Jessica Taldone to make it 3-1 in favor of the Patriots.

"I missed a PK against Palatine last year, so I was more than glad to hit it," said Levy. "It's a real guessing game when you're on the other end."

Levy again switched sides, and made a diving stop to keep it at 3-1.

"Courtney is one of the best athletes on our team," said Stevenson coach Mark Schartner. "I liked our chances with her in goal."

Taldone (7 saves) followed with a block of her own, but another goal post shot from the Gators ended the match.

"My girls played their minds out," said South coach Anne Santucci. "From the second half on, they played some of the best soccer I've seen.

"Both teams played with a lot of class, and both sides really wanted this game."

Prior to the shootout, it was anyone's game with two very aggressive, very evenly matched rosters on the field.

An even fight in the midfield throughout, with time of possession split down the middle, a battle of the bookends (Levy and Taldone) broke out.

While chances were few, both made big saves on several occasions.

"South was the hardest fighting team I've seen in a long time," said Schartner.

"I simply got everything out of my girls that I could have possibly asked for."

Girls soccer

Elgin Academy 2, Willows Academy 0: The Hilltoppers defeated Willows Academy in the Class A sectional semi-final at Westminster Friday night. Allison Clark scored the first goal for EA unassisted. Lauren Steimle then scored the final goal of the game to put the Hilltoppers ahead 2-0 in the first half off an assist from Kristen Cella.

"We played a great game everybody played well were looking forward to playing St. Edward, another great team," Elgin Academy coach Greg Repede said.

Bianca Swegler was in goal collecting 8 saves for the win.

The Hilltoppers (12-8) will now play St. Edward for the sectional title and a trip to state Monday at 4:30 p.m.

This is Elgin Academy's second straight trip to a sectional final. The Hilltoppers fell to Hampshire 1-0 last season with a trip to state on the line. Elgin Academy has never advanced to an IHSA state final tournament in any sport.

Baseball

Prairie Ridge 7, Grayslake Central 6: Prairie Ridge (24-8, 14-0) came out on top against Grayslake Central behind Nick Martini, who had a double and a home run for the Wolves T.J. Swank also doubled for Prairie Ridge while Nolan Jacoby went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Michael Heesch was the winning pitcher going 5 innings with 6 strikeouts.

Cary-Grove 12, Crystal Lake South 7: Cary-Grove blew past Crystal Lake Central in a 12-7 victory. Corey Bruns and Donnie Fitzgerald led the way offensively for the Trojans each with a home run. Kegan Mascarelle added a triple while Eric Aguilera added a double. Bruns was the winning pitcher. Crystal Lake South, despite the loss, was held up by James Vasquez, Sean Wilson, and Steve Kedroski, who each had a double. Easton Kowalski was on the mound for the Gators.

McHenry 7, Jacobs 6: Jacobs took a tough loss against McHenry, battling into the bottom of the 10th inning. Matt Igara led the way for Jacobs with a home run and 2 RBI. Kyle Magnuson had and RBI and a run scored, while Brandon Stroh scored a run. Igara was the losing pitcher.

Crystal Lake Central 6, Huntley 2: Huntley fell to the Tigers in a tough Fox Valley (Fox) matchup. Jeremy Grap (2-3) was on the mound battling for 5 innings allowing 10 hits with 3 strikeouts and 1 walk for the Red Raiders (18-14, 6-8). Tanner Funke stood out at the plate for Huntley going 2-for-3.

Dundee-Crown 4, Woodstock 1: Dundee-Crown charged past Woodstock for a Fox Valley (Valley) Conference victory. The Chargers (13-13,6-8) were able to score 3 runs in just the first inning and hold on to the lead for the win. Ben Rodriguez tossed a 1-hitter striking out 7 batters and walking 1 for D-C. Willie Larson led at the plate going 2-for-3 with a double to lead Dundee-Crown to victory.

Burlington Central 15, Marengo 3: David Hartwell remains undefeated on the mound picking up his third win of the season pitching all 5 innings with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks. The Rockets had a stellar day at the plate as Matt Maciaszek (1-for-3) hit his first grand slam home run. Austin Jarvis (2-for-4) also hit his fourth home run of the year to keep BC in the lead. Bryan Bell (2-for-4, 2 RBI), George Heller (2-for-4), Mark Gorney (2-for-4, 2 RBI), David Hartwell (2-for-3, RBI) and Drew Perly (2-for-3, 2 RBI) all stood out at the plate to put the Rockets on top.