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Girls soccer: Glenbard East caps big day with win vs. Streamwood

Lindsey Novak had plenty of reasons to smile on Monday night.

The Glenbard East senior forward concluded a busy and memorable day with a noteworthy finish.

After participating in a signing day ceremony to seal her commitment to North Central College earlier on Monday, Novak added a hat trick to lead the Rams to a 7-1 rout over Streamwood on Senior Night.

Ten minutes after the game, Novak received another prize from her teammates: Her own senior cutout picture. Senior Amy Chiero, who has 9 goals and 14 assists this season, signed with Denison University. Sam Johnson, a senior goalkeeper, signed with Elmhurst College on Monday.

"The signing day was really special," Novak said. "The three of us on signing day was special. I wouldn't be the person or player I am without them. It was a short but a special moment. This whole day was so surreal. It was nice having the younger girls supporting the seniors. The ultimate goal was winning the game and getting the seniors in. It was a really great day."

Glenbard East coach Kent Overbey praised Novak, also a four-year cross country runner, for helping sustain a winning culture throughout her four years in the program. She raised her season totals to 16 goals and 9 assists.

"She's just a force," he said. "She's really embraced the game, on and off the field. She's gotten so much stronger and you don't want to get into a 50-50 with her. She has a great motor and never gets tired. She's a great leader and captain. It was great to send off the seniors with a bang. You can't beat that. It's awesome."

Besides scoring three goals in the first half, the Rams (14-4-2) added to the festivities by playing four seniors - Melissa Padron, Beth Rozycki, Asja Hamzic and Margaret Lopez - who were pulled up to the varsity for the contest.

"They are all four-year program players who love the game, have a great attitude and we rewarded them with a start and gave them a lot of time," Overbey said.

Maia Zatarski scored 2 goals while Elaine Wesling and Molly Galvin each added a goal for the Rams. Novak scored 2 straight goals to close the second.

Senior Josett Perez scored the Sabres' lone netter in the first half to cut the deficit to 2-1 before the Rams unleashed a flurry of goals. The Sabres (5-11-1) had just two shots on goal in the second half. Perez decided to play high school soccer for the first time in her senior season, raising her season goal total to 13.

"It's been a good experience but sort of different," Perez said of her senior season. "It's been fun."

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