By Bobby Narang
Entering the final week of March, the high school girls soccer season is in full swing.
The season kicked off in the second week of March, with the three-class format culminating in the State tournament at North Central College in Naperville, May 20-June 1.
O’Fallon is looking to defend its 3A State championship, while Glenwood claimed the 2A title by beating Benet Academy last season in the championship game.
In Class 1A, Normal defeated Alleman in the title game last season. IC Catholic capped off a strong season with a fourth-place trophy.
This season, Benet Academy is a team to watch again this Spring. The Redwings, who finished 21-5 last season, return 13 players, including Ivana Vukas (15 goals, 10 assists) and Annie Fitzgerald (seven goals and nine assists).
Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South are both coming off solid seasons. Downers Grove North posted 10 victories and brings back Kaitlyn Parker, Addison Liszka, and Lexi Keown, among others.
Downers Grove South (16-4-1) is looking to win the West Suburban Gold championship again thanks to the return of senior goalie Hannah Fedinec, who collected 10 shutouts last Spring.
Hinsdale Central head coach Anthony Madonia is optimistic for another big season following a 16-win campaign.
“We will have another competitive schedule of games that will prepare us for the postseason,” Madonia said.
Hinsdale South, which finished 14-7 last season, is a team to watch the Gold Division. IC Catholic (14-5-2) is loaded with talent behind the standout play of Avery Berschel, Evelyn Flores, Lucy Russ and Molly Ryan.
Lemont (17-6-1) is always a team to watch under coach Rick Prangen. Lemont lost two all-state players, but Emma Amberg, Ella Simpson and Casey Kittridge plan to fill the void.
Lyons won the West Suburban Silver last Spring to finish 21-2-1 overall. Sophomore midfielder Carolina Capizzi, who collected 11 goals last season, is among the top returnees.
Timothy Christian is another team armed with motivation and talent. Senior forward Hope Huizenga is a tough player to stop, coming off last season’s 17 goals and 15 assists.
York (15-4-2) is looking to top last season’s second place showing in the Gold Division behind the return of Mia Barton, Ava Hansmann, Hannah Meyers and Michaela Quinn. But talented additions in Stella Kohl, a Loyola University recruit, and Sophia Musial, a DePaul University recruit, make the Dukes one of the top teams in the Chicago area in talent.