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Girls soccer: Northwest all-area team

Courtney Baker FremdLike many defenders who play for coach Steve Keller, this two-year starter was very strong on the ball and relentless. But rather than individually battling to just win the ball, the Vikings captain relied on her ability to read the game and react smartly. "Courtney earned her spot as a top defender in our program, and led by example," Keller said. "She worked tirelessly to become better and never left the field, with her effort and fight being the key component of her game. Courtney is a class person, who demonstrates respect and responsibility far beyond her years, and she has a very bright future ahead of her." The first time all-MSL and all-area choice will play next fall at Augustana.

Jackie Batliner BarringtonA breath of fresh air added to the Fillies' backline three season ago, this junior rose up to earn all-state honors and the captaincy of this year's all-area team. "Nobody works as hard as Jackie to be a better player,"coach Ryan Stengren said. "Whether it's the extra time to improve her fitness and conditioning, or a technical aspect of her game, it's always done at a very high level. But the best thing about her is how terrific of a person she is." Batliner helped inspire the Fillies' attack with her sublime vision, quick decision-making and crisp movement. Twice named all-MSL and all-area, the MSL West's player of the year recently committed to play at DePaul in the fall of 2017. She has amassed 10 goals and 14 assists in her first three years.

Anna Brodjian BarringtonYour class box-to-box midfielder, this first-year full-time starter enjoyed a breakout season in her second year with the MSL champions under coach Ryan Stengren. "Anna might have been our best player down the stretch as she became a workhorse in the center of the park, winning first and second balls, in the air and on the ground - all over the place - yet she was still able to join the attack or get things started for us going forward." A terrific athlete with seemingly boundless energy and work rate, Brodjian scored a superb sectional game-winner against league rival Fremd and finished with 4 goals and 3 assists this spring.

Sarah Clancy PalatineNo player in the league goes harder into the tackle than this two-year starter, in whom coach Willie Filian has put his trust since her first days with his club. "Sarah not only is our most technical player, she also has a very high soccer IQ," Filian said. "Combined with her outstanding mix of talent, skill character and grit, it helped make the midfield the strongest part of our team." During a season when Filian asked less of an attacking role from Clancy and an emphasis on defensive work just in front of his back four, the Pirates' sophomore still managed to bag 6 goals and assist on 6 more while playing with a willingness to go box-to-box for 80 minutes. A two-time all-MSL selection.

Kacie Filian PalatineYet another sophomore midfielder for the Pirates, the younger sister of Mackenzie led the club with 13 goals after serving in more of defensive midfield role the previous spring. "Kacie was our most consistent and physically dominant player this spring, and we really came to depend on her to defend set pieces," coach Willie Filian said. A consistent ball-winner both in the air and on the turf, this first time all-area and all-sectional choice always could be seen stepping in to intercept possession, making it difficult for the opposition to play directly or build from the back. The Pirates' main target player on set piece chances also recorded 6 assists this season.

Mackenzie Filian PalatineThe Pirates' captain wore the armband with pride and purpose, and that competitive and demanding attitude led the club from the very first day and throughout the season as she played nearly every minute of every match this season. "Mackenzie played forward most of this year, a little different from her midfield role of the past two seasons, and she quickly became our most dangerous attacking player and assist leader from the run of play," Palatine coach Willie Filian said. A three-year starter, she showed an unending work rate and impressive pace offensively. And on the other side of the ball, she ended attacks quickly and smartly. She finished with 7 goals and 8 assists this season, giving her 16 and 17 in her career after a second all-MSL award, and first all-area and all-sectional selections.

Kellie Halloran FremdThis whirling buzz-saw of nonstop hustle, energy and determination was one of the final pieces of the Vikings' reconstruction plan that ended up with Fremd being a force by season's end. "Kellie was the glue to our midfield," coach Steve Keller said. "She possessed the work ethic to defend all over the field and had the skills and vision to start our attack from her position. She is a wonderful student-athlete who exemplifies the hard work and dedication it takes to be your best." The Vikings captain and three-year veteran was stationed just in front of all-area teammates Courtney Baker and Julia Szylke and proved to be a shrewd player in the center of the park who was a voracious first- and second-ball winner with an extremely high work rate. The first-time all-MSL, sectional and all-area senior will attend Illinois in the fall.

Kayla Keck BarringtonA key figure of the Fillies' vaunted back line, this two-year starter was a well-rounded central defender who played alongside Haley Tausend to form what clearly was the best set of center-backs in the area. "From her freshman to sophomore year, Kayla made incredible strides in all parts of her game, which has now become one of steady, consistent play to go along with being a very smart overall player," said coach Ryan Stengren. Her Fillies teammates voted this first-time all-MSL and all-sectional player as their MVP - and why not, after netting 9 goals, mostly from set-pieces chances where her physical prowess was on full display. The junior also has the technical skill to put in clean, strong tackles.

Lauren Kohn St. ViatorIt would be hard to imagine how the Lions would have fared without this four-time all-ESCC, and two-time all-area and all-sectional player had not been there for coach Mike Taylor. "We couldn't give her anything in the postseason in her career, but no matter where we played her at, she gave us even more than expected - especially this season when she struggled with a severe case of shin splits, yet somehow went out there to play almost 80 minutes," Taylor said. "She continued to surprise and lead, even during her last game ever, with a will to win every ball, non-stop running, and desire to help carry her team to victory. It will be her leadership that will impossible to replace." The four-year starter finished with 18 goals and 27 assists.

Maggie Leazer St. ViatorSince her arrival into the Lions' starting lineup four years ago, this two-time all-area center back added a new dimension and style of play for her club and combined with backline mate Maureen McGrath and goalkeeper Colleen Gallagher to make defense a team strength. "Maggie was the mainstay and leader of our defense, the target player for corners, which she was so very good at, and a terrific influence to the young players that she helped tutor throughout her time with us," said coach Mike Taylor. There were few better, both in the air and on the turf in 50-50 chances, and her lightning-quick advances into the tackle usually ended the opponents' hopes in the Lions' final third. Most of her 11 career goals came in dead-ball situations. A two-time all-ESCC and all-sectional choice, Leazer will play next fall at Evansville.

Andi Marfilius ProspectFew equaled the will of this four-year veteran, who set the bar high for herself and never stopped reaching for it, right until the final whistle of her last game played for the Knights and coach Tom Froats. "We had a complete turnaround from a year ago," said Froats, "and that success is due in large part to Andi. As the season went along, I could her focus increase, and her will to win. Andi was a leader who leads and doesn't even know it - but everyone around her certainly did." The two-time all-MSL and first-time all-area selection was deployed up top or in the middle when needed, but it was her relentless defending which made her a real joy to watch. Will attend Iowa next fall.

Emily Mazurek ConantEven with health challenges this spring, this two-time all-area standout was still among the best at her position for coach Jason Franco, who marveled at what his three-year starter was able to accomplish. "Emily fought off a bad ankle from nearly the very beginning of the season and still was a dangerous option up top," Franco said. "Even though she never could get back to being totally fit and in form, she was a real handful for opposing defenders." With her superb technical and tactical ability, she was still able to overcome her injury to show an energetic burst of pace, physical strength and a drive to break into the penalty area. Mazurek finished with 6 goals this season, giving her 35 in her career along with an impressive 21 assists.

Stephanie Mazurek ConantDespite being the youngest member of this year's all-area team, this freshman had good physical presence, nice balance to her game and was quite capable of making darting runs in the opponent's final third. "Stephanie was an every-minute center midfielder for us this year, and was at her best when going forward with speed while proving to be dangerous from distance," said coach Jason Franco. "She covered an unbelievable amount of ground, and we leaned on her throughout her first year with us." Adept at finding space behind the defense and exploiting it, whether through a pass or shot, Mazurek amassed 7 goals and 6 assists to earn all-MSL and all-sectional honors.

Jennie Nailor Hoffman EstatesA powerhouse central defender, Nailor became the pillar of the Hawks' back line from the moment she stepped into the position three seasons ago. "Jennie's leadership on the field, along with her ability to help mentor our younger players, was invaluable," said coach Jeff Bird. "Her impact on our program will be felt for years to come. I can never say enough about what she meant to this team and program." The four-year, three-sport Hawks star (volleyball and basketball are the others) was a no-nonsense defender with a quality touch and the ability to provide lovely service out of the back or in dead-ball opportunities. That knack led to a pair of game-winners during the Hawks' best season in years. This three-year team captain was also a star in the classroom, with four years on the honor roll to go with a selection to the National Honor Society. A two-time all-sectional choice, Nailor also was anointed all-state from the coaches' association before earning her school's Female Athlete Sportsmanship Award.

Melissa Nava SchaumburgThe DePaul-bound center back was a welcome addition to the program when she returned this year after a couple years away playing club ball. And her presence helped inspire the Saxons' strong finish as Schaumburg moved up to the middle of the MSL standings. "Melissa played nearly every minute of every game, and it was her leadership and understanding of the game that kept our defense organized while turning that group into a very strong unit this year," said Schaumburg coach Greg Charvat. "Her intelligence, leadership and personality will be missed next year." The silky smooth first-time all-MSL, all-sectional and all-area choice was a fine reader of the game, aware of her surroundings, sharp in the tackle and comfortable enough on the ball to be a part of the build-up from the back.

Lauren Pircher BarringtonBarrington's captain was the lone senior on this MSL's championship team and had a key role among the four defenders who conceded not a single goal during league play. "Lauren was an extremely intelligent and steady player for us along the back, and one who tackled so well, while providing the type of leadership you would expect from being our only senior on the roster," said coach Ryan Stengren. The two-year starter, who will attend South Florida in the fall, was a solid, composed left-side defender who crossed and served the ball well and provided forceful runs on the flank. This first-time all-MSL choice and all-area repeater collected 3 assists this spring.

Rachel Raymer ConantThe first and most conspicuous attribute in this senior's talented resume is speed. The left back could often be mistaken for an attacking winger because of her ability to race up and down the flank, adding numbers in the Cougars' attack. But this first-time all-MSL, all-sectional and three-year all-area veteran never abandoned her defensive chores. "Rachel developed into one of Conant's best two-way defenders - dependable in our end, and a dangerous option going forward as well," said coach Jason Franco of Raymer, who picked up 3 goals and 5 assists in her career. Tackling and interceptions were two key facets of her game as Raymer, who will attend Florida Gulf Coast, played with composure and class for the MSL West runners-up.

Mehgan Rickett ProspectThis first-time all-area keeper came back from club soccer to provide exactly the type of leadership Tom Froats needed to turn things around 180 degrees as the Knights became one of the top teams in the MSL this past spring. "We gained more than a terrific keeper when Mehgan returned, we gained a great leader and communicator and one who would become the captain of our defense," Froats said. Rickett's strength also allowed her to confidently claim crosses and deal with high balls under pressure, while both good technique and cat-like reflexes kept many opponents' shot out of the back of the net. The all-MSL and all-sectional senior, who will play at Illinois State, tied the program record of 11 shutouts in a season, recorded a 0.87 goals-against average and helped set the team set a single-season record with 12 shutouts.

Ena Sabanagic Hoffman EstatesThis senior co-captain led her resurgent club in scoring with 27 points (10 goals, 7 assists) while helping to make the attack alive and vibrant from her midfield spot. "Ena's leadership in the middle helped maintain a solid core for our team while providing a reliable and consistent option to play the ball forward," said coach Jeff Bird. "Players like Ena are exceptional, not only with what they do on the field, but also in how they help their teammates raise their games. We will miss her dearly next year." When the ball was at her feet, she could truly run the show, with feints, intricate runs and a variety of technical skills which allowed her to control the tempo of the game. Postseason first-time honors include: all-MSL, sectional and all-area. In the classroom, the Purdue-bound Sabanagic enjoyed four years in Student Council and a spot on the Honor Roll.

Sophia Spinell BarringtonThe junior is an archetypal attacking midfielder, combining skill and speed on the ball in an impressive package to give the Fillies its second all-state player on the roster at season's end. "Soph is a tremendous leader who takes the job serious as a mentor to our younger player, and it is her hard work and desire to be better which has made her a very good 1v1 player and deadly in the free-kick, making her such a terrific all-around player for us," said coach Ryan Stengren. Equally adept on the left or right, the two-year starter is not just a creator (18 assists) but also a goal-scoring threat (9). Another strong point was her ability to be in the right place at the right time to intercept and start a threat the other way. Spinell's postseason honors included first-time all-MSL and all-area selections.

Shawna Stokes ProspectWith the physical presence of a traditional center-forward along with the ability to create and finish, this sophomore often worked alone up front, or in partnership with teammate Ella Marzolf, to form a dangerous dynamic duo for coach Tom Froats. "Shawna came on the scene and had a huge impact in her very first match to become a classic finisher, and one who would lead our team in goals (11) to place her ninth all-time for goals scored in a single season," Froats said. The all-MSL selection showed the instinct to set up play and put opponents under pressure with her relentless pace and was rarely pushed off the ball because of her strength.

Kelsie Stone FremdWhile Steve Keller continued to sort out things along the back this spring, the one constant before the Vikings coach settled on a standout group was Kelsie Stone. The junior was clearly one of the best at her position in the area and in the state, confirmed when the coaches association named her one of just a few all-state keepers. "Kelsie's talent kept us in many games this season, especially during the early going when we played an extremely tough schedule filled with many state-ranked opponents," said Keller. "She is a wonderful student-athlete who exemplifies the hard work and dedication it takes to become the best." When under pressure, the first-time all-area keeper was at the top of her game, pulling off a plethora of athletic goal-saving efforts. Already committed to play at Drake University in the fall of 2017, Stone recorded 8 shutouts to give her 21.5 in her career, and she finished this spring with a sparkling 0.91 goals-against average.

Julia Szylke FremdThe tall, energetic defender oozed confidence and composure in front of Vikings brilliant all-area keeper Kelsie Stone. Through excellent anticipation and reading of the game, the center-back always seemed to appear in the perfect spot to snuff out that final pass. "Julia held our team together in the back, and was a force coming forward and in set pieces while providing the type of presence that shut down opponents in order to make us a very difficult team to score on," said coach Steve Keller. The two-year varsity player had good aerial ability and was quick across the ground thanks in part to Keller's initial use of the junior as a midfielder. "Julia was a fearless tackler, and vocal as a leader, and we expect her once again to be an impact player for us next season," Keller said. Szylke finished with 5 goals and 2 assists along with first-time all-MSL and all-area honors.

Haley Tausend BarringtonThis first-time all-area defender was the Fillies' first line of resistance with her accurate and sharp tackling and unwavering commitment. "Haley was easily our most physical (back) who played with the type of aggressive style you need back there, but she was also very athletic, which helped us in our attack," said coach Ryan Stengren. "She had a great off-season to make herself an even better player, and we look for more of that next year." The junior was also a ferocious 50-50 winner and could often be seed in forward raids to support the offense, as she was skilled enough to deliver quality service or crosses from out the of back. A dangerous option in dead-ball chances, this all-MSL two-year starter contributed 4 goals

Georgette Topalis Buffalo GroveA player such as this is required in order to compete for league championships, which coach Pat Dudle recognized right away as Topalis' combination of versatility, high work rate and endline-to-endline play were the centerpiece to the Bison's MSL East triumph. "Georgette could score from distance, take on defenders, and was lethal in the air, and she helped put us in the Soccer Bowl by scoring several big goals during the regular season," said Dudle. Very fast and dangerous on the flanks, Topalis was moved around frequently by Dudle, and the all-MSL, all-sectional junior excelled at each spot. Her physical presence and ball-winning ability set her apart from the rest. Topalis finished with 6 goals this season give her 15 for her career. Named MSL East player of the year following the season.

Kelly Walter Elk GroveTall, athletic and technically sound are three adjectives to describe this two-year starter, who broke out this spring to become a key figure for Grens coach Dan Klaus. He sees Walter as the kind of player who could lead his program to the next level in the MSL. "Kelly was the engine of our team. She is a natural center-mid, but played in the back when needed or up top to inspire our attack. She will not 'Wow' you - but she will just beat you in most of the 1v1 battles." Composure and confidence on the ball is something to take note of when you watch this first-time all-MSL and all-sectional sophomore, who had a hand in 76 percent of the Grens' goals. Walter finished this spring with 5 goals and 8 assists, running her two-year totals to 6 and 13.

All-area team

Player School Yr. Pos.

Courtney Baker Fremd Sr. D

Jackie Batliner* Barrington Jr. D-MF

Anna Brodjian Barrington Jr. MF

Sarah Clancy Palatine So. MF

Kacie Filian Palatine So. MF

Mackenzie Filian Palatine Jr. MF

Kellie Halloran Fremd Sr. DE

Kayla Keck Barrington Jr. D

Lauren Kohn St. Viator Sr. MF

Maggie Leazer St. Viator Sr. D

Andi Marfilius Prospect Sr. F-MF

Emily Mazurek Conant Jr. F

Stephanie Mazurek Conant Fr. MF

Jennie Nailor Hoffman Estates Sr D

Melissa Nava Schaumburg Sr. D

Lauren Pircher Barrington Sr. D

Rachel Raymer Conant Sr. D

Mehgan Rickett Prospect Sr. GK

Ena Sabanagic Hoffman Estates Sr. MF

Shawna Stokes Prospect So. F

Soph Spinell Barrington Jr. MF

Kelsie Stone Fremd Jr. GK

Julia Szylke Fremd Jr. MF-D

Haley Tausend Barrington Jr. D

Georgette Topalis Buffalo Grove Jr. MF

Kelly Walter Elk Grove So. MF

* All-area captain

Special mentionMaddie Bennett (Christian Liberty Academy, Sr., MF), Dani Bleichman (Buffalo Grove, Sr., D), Gina Bolis (Buffalo Grove, Jr., DMF), Elizabeth Dolce (Conant, Soph., D), Shannon Guercio (Buffalo Grove, Sr., D), Rachel Kolling (Maine West, Sr., MF), Kayla Kowal (Schaumburg, Sr., F), Natalie Marfilius (Prospect, Soph., D), Emilijia Peleckas (Fremd, Jr., F), Cassie Slattery (Elk Grove, Sr., MF-F).

Honorable mentionMichelle Andrade (Leyden, Sr., MF), Cassie Berman (Buffalo Grove, Sr., GK), Zoe Bloomquist (Elk Grove, Soph., MF), Dorothy Calba (Maine West, Sr., MF), Taylor Cyr (Conant, Soph., GK), Becky Davis (Christian Liberty Academy, Soph., GK), Yaneli Dorado (Leyden, Sr., MF), Kaylin Feeley (Conant, Soph., F-MF), Emma Fister (Wheeling, Jr., MF), Jocelyn Garcia (Leyden, Sr., D), Cora Jacobsen (Palatine, Sr., D), Grace Johannesen (Prospect, Jr., D), Christina Kim (Schaumburg, Sr., F), Courtney Lee (Buffalo Grove, Jr., MF), Susan Lindstrom (Hersey, Sr., D), Ella Marzolf (Prospect, Dr, F), Claire Niemczyk (Hersey, Sr., D), Alexis Orozco (Schaumburg, Sr., D), Alexis Orozco (Schaumburg, Sr., D), Kat Perille (Rolling Meadows, Jr., MF), Claire Preissing (Rolling Meadows, Jr., D-MF), Madeline Rebsamen (Rolling Meadows, Jr., F-MF), Emma Slattery (Elk Grove, Soph., D), Samantha Schmitz (Barrington, Soph., GK), Francesca Van (Hoffman Estates, Sr., GK), Allie Webb (Maine West, Sr., D).

Selections and profiles by Mike Garofola

Jackie Batliner
Anna Brodjian
Sarah Clancy
Kacie Filian
Mackenzie Filian
Kellie Halloran
Kayla Keck
Lauren Kohn
Maggie Leazer
Andi Marfilius
Emily Mazurek
Stephanie Mazurek
Jennifer Nailor
Melissa Nava
Lauren Pircher
Rachel Raymer
Mehgan Rickett
Ena Sabanagic
Sophia Spinell
Shawna Stokes
Kelsie Stone
Julia Szylke
Haley Tausend
Georgette Topalis
Kelly Walter
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