The second sectional semi final of the night features DVC champion Waubonsie Valley against Naperville Central. The Redhawks knocked the Warriors out of the playoffs last season, while Waubonsie took the matchup in the regular season by a score of 5-2.
First Half
In the opening minutes of the game, Grace Setter taps a pass to Megan Burling who fires a shot just beyond the reach of Amber Hunter. Burling continues her outstanding junior season and puts WV up 1-0.
Redhawks looking to respond with a shot from Alyssa Lanzon, but Waubonsie keeper Nicole Kleronomos gathers it in for the save.
Later in the half, Grace Setter has some open space and unloads a powerful shot on net, but Amber Hunter makes a spectacular save to keep the deficit at one.
Second Half
Early in the 2nd half, a high bouncing ball is bobbled by Nicole Kleronomos, she collides with Caroline Reedy and hits the ground, Reedy keeps her footing and goes in for the game tying goal. The Warriors goalie aggrevated a hamstring injury and has to leave the game.
Coach Bergstrom turns to Jessica Keeley to throw on a pennie off the bench and play goalie for the first time…ever. No pressure.
Just a few minutes later and Keeley gets her first test on a shot from Abigal Hillman, but Keeley snags the save to keep the game tied. This game is heading to overtime.
Over Time
Near the end of OT, Colette Casey leaves a pass for Setter, who puts another strong shot on net, but again it’s Hunter with diving save.
After a scoreless extra 20 minutes, Waubonsie turns to Megan Burling to take a shot at playing goalie, also for the first time in her career.
Penalty Kicks
Hannah Bradley Leon is the first to shoot for Central, despite still recovering from on offseason ACL tear. She gets off a well placed shot, but Burling makes an incredible stop, diving to her right!
First up for Waubonsie is Jessica Keeley, who looks much happier to be trying to score goals than trying to stop them, she puts WV up 1-0 after the first round.
Next up for the Redhawks is Sophia Skoubis, the freshman freezes Burling in her tracks and ties things up at one PK goal apiece.
Grace Setter takes her turn next, Amber Hunter guess correctly but is a hair too late as Setter puts her team back in front 2-1.
Central needs to keep scoring and sophomore Sullivan Schubel does just that with a shot off the fingertips of Burling, Redhawks still with a chance.
Up third for the Warriors is senior Jennifer Garcia, she gets Hunter leaning the wrong way and taps it into the left corner of the net. Waubonsie up 3-2 after three rounds.
Central senior Maddie Mills heads to the line next, she looks to go over Burling’s head, but it’s too high and grazes off the top of the crossbar! Waubonsie is now one goal away from the sectional final.
Senior captain Jessica Wallace lines up and fires a shot towards right center, and it’s in there for the winning PK goal. Waubonsie Valley wins a thriller using a patchwork of goalies and advances to the sectional championship for the first time since 2014 to play Naperville North.
Check out how the other East Aurora Sectional game went in our Girls Sports Highlights.
