Red Raiders set for girls soccer success

HUNTLEY — Huntley’s girls soccer team is optimistic for another successful season.

Huntley is coming off a regional title, a 17-4-3 record and 5-1-3 (third) in the Fox Valley Conference.

Junior Midfielder Gabi Farraj is back after a seven goals, two assist season. Other potential goal scorers include: sophomore forward Maizie Nickle, eight goals, one assist; senior forward Alex Szydlowski, who had seven goals and three assists; sophomore midfielder Maddie Cummings had three goals. Another player returning is junior defender Jaci Laramie.

“Any one of the returners could have a breakout season,” HHS coach Matt Lewandowski said. “We have a number of players that scored goals last season. If we can get the puzzle put together quickly enough, we could have another duo like Chloe Pfaff and GraceHelzer from last season. We have the talent.”

Two newcomers to watch could be junior midfielder Bella Fusco and defender Itzel Martinez. “Both Fusco and Martinez are laser focused. I expect both of them will make an impact from the start.”

Senior Maddie Lackovic and sophomore Ashlyn Grabs have both played goalie.

Lewandowski is in his seventh year as head coach.

“We’ve hot a good group of core returners ready to build on last year,” the coach said. “We graduated a large number of role players, but we have solid young players ready to show what they can do as well. We should be a tough group to play against that isn’t afraid to get scrappy if need be. Hopefully the experiences we got at the end of last season can help us get one step further. As always, we are looking to compete within the FVC and use those high stress games to prepare us for the playoffs. Our goal is to compete for and win a regional title and see where the ride takes us.”

Season opener

Huntley took on Stevenson, a North Suburban Conference power, March 16 in windy conditions here.

Huntley battled Stevenson to a scoreless draw for 60 minutes but the North Suburban Conference Patriots put home two goals for the 2-0 victory. Lackovic and Grabs played each half in goal.

“They were excited for the opener – a new group, a new mix and new ideas. Both goalies made some great saves,” Lewandowski said. “We’re in good shape with the defense, we should be hard to score on. We need to figure things out on offense.”

The Red Raiders tied with Marian Central, 0-0, on March 19 for an 0-1-1 start. Lackovic made four saves in playing the whole match in goal.