Hinsdale South’s back line has played a big role in the team’s success this spring.
That defensive unit — consisting of seniors Gopika Patel, Nicole Kilrea and Emily Ofenloch, and junior Kendra Rees, along with with senior goalkeeper Radhika Patel — helped the second-seeded Hornets post their 17th shutout victory of the season Tuesday, downing third-seeded Benet 2-0 in a Class 2A sectional semifinal at Elmhurst College.
The Hornets’ back line denied, disrupted and otherwise harried Benet’s offense, especially in the second half, forcing the Redwings into hurried shots that missed their mark. And on the few occasions they did get beat, Radhika Patel stood her ground, making three saves in the final three minutes to preserve the victory.
Hinsdale South (17-4-3) advanced to meet Wheaton St. Francis in a sectional final at 5 p.m. Friday at Elmhurst College.
“Although they did a great job and saved a lot of problematic situations, it was because of how they held back and a played a little more defensive and safe,” Hinsdale South coach Jen Belmonte said.
The Hornets, who have given up just nine goals all season, took control early with goals from junior Gina Cavalli in the third minute and senior Erin Alajoki in the 15th. That put the onus on Hinsdale South’s back line and goalkeeper to stand up to increasing offensive pressure.
“We really communicate a lot, so if someone is beat, we’re covering each other,” Ofenloch said. “Communication is key with our back line.”
Added Kilrea: “The key to holding this team was not panicking and remembering how to play our game and staying organized and talking to each other.”
Top-seeded Nazareth falls to St. Francis
In the other Class 2A sectional semifinal at Elmhurst College, top-seeded Nazareth’s late rally came up short in a 4-3 defeat to fourth-seeded St. Francis.
St. Francis scored all four of its goals in a 20-minute span midway through the second half, taking a 4-1 lead. Nazareth senior Julie Saladino and sophomore Sophia Cullotta each scored in the final 7 minutes, and senior Claire Ramsey was denied a late game-tying goal on a breakaway.
“It’s disappointing, but that’s the game,” Nazareth coach John Nikchevich said. “We should have came out stronger in the second half, and we didn’t. I think that the way they finished is the way they played the whole year.”
Nazareth finished 20-4-2, which included a 4-2-1 mark in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. The Roadrunners will lose a host of seniors, including Ramsey, who finished her season with 28 goals, and goalkeeper Mary Clare Harrington, who had 10 saves against St. Francis.
Key players expected to return include junior Angelica Ariola, an all-conference player who had 14 goals, and Julia Olander, who had 19 goals as a freshman.
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
