Girls soccer secures 2nd in FVC
HUNTLEY — Two Huntley girls soccer juniors led the way to a win on senior night.
Junior Kate Sandora scored a goal, with an assist from classmate Maddie Cummings, in the first overtime for a 1-0 win over Burlington Central. The Red Raiders, 13-4-3, gained a second place 7-1-1 record in the FVC, behind unbeaten league champs Crystal Lake Central.
“It was more of a cross that ended up as a shot,” Sandora said.
The shot ended as Sandora’s first career goal. She was happy to send the seniors off as winners of second place in the 83rd minute.
“We really wanted the win going into the playoffs. The seniors are awesome with their leadership,” Sandora said.
“When you put the ball in front of the net as often as we did, things will happen in your favor,” Huntley coach Matt Lewandowski said.
Huntley goalie senior Maddie Lackovic ran from the goal at the other end of the pitch to congratulate Sandora.
“I heard their goalie say, ‘I got it’, then it went in. The overtime experience is good but we wanted to end this one in the first five minutes. Getting second in conference was one of our big goals,” Lackovic said.
Lackovic and the Huntley back line turned away all Rockets’ shots, including one that required a dive to knock away. She finished with eight saves for 70 for the season. She will close her soccer career with the coming post-season tournament and attend Montana State University.
“I’ll miss the people, the team bonding and friends,” Lackovic said.
Two of the eight Class of 2024 members, Elizabeth Johnson and Peyton Kohn, plan on playing collegiate soccer. Johnson will attend Augustana College while Kohn will play soccer at Elgin Community College.
Also taking a final bow in the FVC were: Ashley Crisci, Gabi Farraj, Kylie Lucas, Alex Szydlowski and Ava Trudeau.
There was an emotional part of the ceremony as graduating class members took a moment to remember the player who No. 10, Hannah Evitts, who passed away freshman year. Her family, dad Michael, mom Jennifer, brother Jacob and sister Emma, were on hand Tuesday.
Non-league win
Huntley downed Hononegah 3-1 on May 4. Trudeau, Cummings and Maddie Rumachik scored goals and Bella Fusco, Brooke Maxedon and Farraj contributed assists.
Huntley concluded its regular season against Chicago Taft on May 11. Then it is on to the Class 3A Machesney Park Harlem Regional, against Fox Lake Grant in the first round at 4:30 p.m. May 15. The regional final for semifinal winners is May 17. Huntley will host a Class 3A sectional, May 21 and 24.
Season statistics
Cummings has eight goals, five assists for 21 points; Farraj, eight goals, two assists, 18 points; Maddie Rumachik, six goals, four assists, 16 points and Ava Trudeau, five goals, five assists, 15 points.
