Benet Academy reaching the super sectionals for a second straight year behind a prolific offense and stingy defense, but this is where last season’s campaign came to an end. So how will the Redwings fare against the Fenwick Friars with a trip to state on the line?
First Half
Two and a half minutes in and Benet has a corner kick. Kate Flynn triggers it in, but Fenwick goalie Mary Heneghan tips it away… and that leads to a mad scramble in front of the net. Eventually the Friars sort it out and clear.
Five minutes later and Fenwick gets its first crack at Redwing goalie Eva Frantzen. Benet fails to completely eliminate the threat… so Anissa Nourse cues up a lefty shot… but it curls away from the net as we stay scoreless.
16 minutes in and Mia Ullmer is on the prowl. The Redwing bends around the Friar defense and then rips a shot on net. Heneghan makes the save to keep a persistent Benet team off the board.
Just 10 minutes until the half and the game still scoreless. Benet gets a corner and it finds the body of Mary Kate Hansen, who tries to deflect it in, but Fenwick’s net-minder is there.
After putting up 31 goals in four playoff games coming in, Benet trying to avoid a scoreless half. And Abby Casmere trying to get them on the board… but a beautiful save from Mary Heneghan sends the game to the half without a goal.
Second Half
To the second half and Benet using the chip shot to free up Casmere. The senior gets behind the Friar defense and then smokes a ball top left shelf. Alas, Benet nets a goal and leads 1-0 with 37 minutes to play.
Less than four minutes later and Cami Picha perfectly leads a suddenly wide open Mia Tommasone, and the junior banks it off the leg of the goalie and in! Just barely sneaks inside the post and Benet now up 2-0.
28 minutes to go in the game and Benet really trying to ice it. Beautiful pass from Jamiee Cibulka gets Casmere in isolation on the endline… and she makes a move and zips it into the twine… her second goal and Benet on cruise control. And the Benet fans loving it.
And for good measure, with 24 minutes remaining, Sarah Bozych gets the lead pass and taps it past the goalie and seals the final score. Benet wins 4-0, earning the super sectional plaque and securing a trip to state at North Central College.
Naperville North girls soccer is also in the post-season! Check out how they are doing in our Girls Sports Highlights!
