Growing up, Annabella DeMaio was a frequent visitor to Lemont soccer games. She looked forward to being on the field making an impact during her high school days.
Now a freshman midfielder, DeMaio is making a huge difference much quicker than anyone could have expected.
“It’s really great to be on this team because me and my friends used to come here for varsity games every year and see how they played as a team, and they were always fun to watch,” DeMaio said. “I was a little bit nervous at the start of the year but mostly excited.
“I knew some of the girls on the team and I knew it was going to be a great atmosphere.”
DeMaio is adding to that atmosphere, winning over her new teammates with her attitude.
She’s also providing a major offensive spark, scoring two goals and dishing out two assists Tuesday night as host Lemont rolled to a 7-0 South Suburban Blue victory over Bremen.
Emma Amberg and Suzie Knutte scored two goals apiece for Lemont (11-4-1, 8-0). Chase Bergeson added a goal. Mia Cordova made four saves for Bremen (7-8-2, 4-4-1).
DeMaio, who cracked Lemont’s starting lineup immediately, has continued to show she deserves the spot.
“She’s a really talented and skilled player and she’s willing to be coached as well,” Lemont assistant coach Mark Virtel said. “Sometimes, we ask for things from players that maybe they haven’t been asked to do before.
“She’s been taking it all in stride. She’s been a really good teammate and she’s been really productive like we saw (Tuesday night).”
DeMaio assisted on Amberg’s goal just 68 seconds into the game.
“Bella sent me a ball over and I just kind of just tipped it in,” Amberg said. “I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t sure if it was going to make it or not, but I’m happy it did. It was really exciting.”
Amberg has become accustomed to having DeMaio use her playmaking abilities to set her up.
“I think Bella is definitely one of our key players on the outside,” Amberg said. “She’s getting a lot of opportunities for people in the middle, getting the ball in, and she’s creating them for herself.
“Even outside of soccer, when we’re trying to get our team chemistry down, she’s been one of the best people to hang out with. She’s always bringing a smile. Her energy is always there, and I think that shows in the way she plays, too.”
DeMaio scored off a rebound after Amberg’s shot was saved by Cordova in the 17th minute.
DeMaio’s second goal showcased her fearlessness as she beat a charging Cordova to a loose ball, avoided a collision and lobbed in a shot from 20 yards.
“It was just staying with it and not giving up and then putting my body out there for the team,” DeMaio said. “It feels good getting good results.
“I think the hard work has finally paid off. I’m happy to see that we’re succeeding as a team.”
Knutte celebrated senior night with two goals, while fellow seniors in defender Nicole Bobcik and midfielder Paige Bingen also contributed. Lemont’s fourth senior, Natalia Zalinski, was unable to play due to an illness.
“It was definitely really emotional,” Bobcik said. “It’s something I knew was coming, but now it’s real. It’s super sad but also happy, and I’m glad we got the win.”
DeMaio was happy to help.
“They always give me good advice, and they make me feel good and make me feel welcomed,” DeMaio said of the seniors. “It’s a great atmosphere.
“The seniors have had a really great year, and I’m really happy we were able to come out with a win for them.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
