Girls Soccer

Lincoln-Way West falls to Notre Dame

LA SALLE – There's a reason why Peoria Notre Dame's girls soccer program appeared in its 19th straight sectional final when it met Lincoln-Way West in Friday's Class 2A LaSalle-Peru Sectional.

The Irish combined speed with good defense and goalkeeping against the Warriors, who were hoping that their second straight sectional finals trip would result in their initial title.

But Notre Dame captured its 16th sectional title in 19 years following a 2-0 victory over West which advanced it to Tuesday's DeKalb Super-Sectional.

“They have a lot of experience, but we were confident with the experience that we were bringing in, too,” West coach Jeff Theiss said. “A handful of these girls got the opportunity to play in a sectional final last year and they were hungry. The result didn't turn out in our favor, but we stressed to the girls that there's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

“You learn a lot when you get to a sectional championship and it's a huge accomplishment. If you don't get through, you realize that it's not satisfying so we'll stay hungry and keep working. We're so proud of this group and the work that they've put in and where they've come from. And talk about a fun group to be around and to work with day in and day out.”

West (17-8-1), which lost 2-0 to Lemont in last year's sectional final, were 10-1-1 heading into the contest but Notre Dame (17-5-3) picked up its eighth straight win with another good defensive effort.

Macy Martin connected shortly before the opening half's midpoint for the match-winner. West had its best early chance a short time later when Meghann Lange's short try was deflected by keeper Jenna Ashley.

Warriors keeper Audrey Pearson thwarted several good threats but early in the final half, Tori Timerman got free in front and scored an insurance goal.

West's best opportunity in the final half came in the late going when obstruction was called, setting up an indirect free kick inside the box. After Lange's touch, Madison Mikalauski lined one off of the wall.

“I give them complete respect,” Pearson said. “We had some good shots but their keeper was there. I tried my best but some things didn't go my way. I've improved since last year and our team has improved phenomenally since I was a freshman and that's awesome. The returning girls know who they're losing so they'll step up and fill those positions.”

Theiss is proud of seniors like Emily Wyskiel, a three-year attacking mid who moved to center back, Natalie Tannura, who finished with over 50 goals and Pearson, who had 30 career shutouts. Also Lange, who was utilized all over the field, and Meredith Buldak, a three-year junior-varsity player who came up big in the midfield.

“Give credit to them since they're a really good team that worked together,” Wyskiel said. “And credit us since we fought to the last whistle and never let our heads drop. We had a lot of players back from last year so we knew what to expect. It didn't work today but hopefully does in the future. I wouldn't have wanted to be on any other team than with my Lincoln-Way West soccer family. I loved it.”