Girls soccer: Kalou's hat trick sparks Stevenson by Prospect, to regional title
Liberty University recruit Abby Kalou hasn't had a hat trick for two years.
Two years later and in a regional girls soccer championship game, Kalou notched her first hat trick of the season that carried third-seeded Stevenson past No. 11 Prospect 4-1 on Saturday morning in Lincolnshire.
"It meant what we've worked for all season - to finish our chances," Kalou said. "I take it more that our team collectively, to make me able to put them away. Everyone else did their part for me to slot them in."
Kalou scored 2 of the 3 goals for Stevenson (14-3-1) in the first half, the first one in the fourth minute off an assist from Gaby Nyc. Then in the 22nd minute, Kalou found the back of the net off the leg of Ella Hong.
Brynn Stein made it 3-0 in the 29th minute off Alyssa Bende's assist.
Kalou's third goal was off a Prospect defender, which she placed under the crossbar in the 44rh minute.
"We really do play for each other." Kalou said. "Stats and everything are nice personally, but I was more excited when Brynn put one in than I did. I was more happy for that goal for us. Everyone on the team is like that, we just work hard for each other then ourselves."
Prospect (5-7-2) got its goal in the 72nd minute. Abby Knott scored off an assist from Maggie Rosenburg.
The Knights reached the regional final as they defeated No. 6 seed Highland Park 2-1 on penalty kicks earlier this week.
"This team has shown its resilience all year long," Prospect coach Tom Froats said. "It's been a roller coaster to persevere and play hard being down 4-0 and play like its 0-0. I'm still proud of the effort. Stevenson was a very good side. Defensively, if you make some mistakes, they come out and punish you. Too much time and space for (Stevenson) and they were to get a couple early. Chasing goals against any team and it was a challenge for us.
"Super proud of my seniors. They have been incredible leaders over the last 15 months while doing things virtually and keeping our program together."
Stevenson will now have a rematch with No. 2 seed Warren (15-1-3) Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Blue Devils shutout Lake Forest 3-0 on Friday night for a regional title. During play in the North Suburban Conference the Blue Devils defeated the host Patriots 1-0 that led to a 3-way tie with Libertyville.
The Patriots have won 3 regional championships in a row and been a leader in the NSC for the last two seasons.
"I want more and that's what I teach these girls on and off the field," Stevenson coach PepeJon Chavez said. "There's always one more thing you can be doing. We make the situation a positive, as individuals they do that as part of the team. These girls have created a love that's begun not a dominance, but just a presence."