Geneva’s Bridget Burke showed a knack for catching fire on the biggest stage.
The postseason has been a revelation this spring for Burke, so the precocious freshman forward was eager to capitalize again and deliver another exciting moment for the Vikings.
“I just came in thinking, no matter the outcome, the only thing that mattered was working as hard as possible,” she said. “We saw a bunch of really good opportunities that we couldn’t finish.”
Burke created some of Geneva’s best scoring opportunities Tuesday night.
But in the end, Lemont got going offensively and finished off a 3-0 decision over the Vikings in the Class 2A Kankakee Supersectional game. It snapped a modest four-game winning streak.
Geneva (15-7-1) was looking for its first state appearance since taking third in Class AA in 2005.
Burke, who earned all-conference and all-sectional honors, scored a goal in Friday’s 2-0 win over Plainfield Central for the sectional title. Junior midfielder Olivia Pohlman wasn’t surprised.
“She just brings so much energy and fire to the field that we didn’t have,” Pohlman said of Burke. “We struggled somewhat at the forward position last year. She brings so much life to the position.
“She’s so fast and makes plays on the ball I didn’t think she’d be able to get to.”
Geneva coach Megan Owens described Burke as an offensive jolt whose blend of speed, quickness and force on the ball help optimize the attack.
“She has been a wonderful addition to the team,” Owens said of Burke. “She never takes a play off. She just works hard each and every day and each and every practice.
“I think her teammates really respect that.”
At 5-foot-4, Burke plays above her size, using exceptional speed and quickness to cause havoc.
“I just like to play fast and cross the ball and just hope that someone’s there to finish it,” she said. “The coaches have been very encouraging and always cheer me on.”
The heightened platform of the state playoffs allowed her game to flourish.
“As the postseason started, we began to play more as a team rather than individuals and started connecting better,” Burke said. “I’m very good at getting my head up, looking where people are before passing the ball and reading the game.”
Burke also made an adjustment from deferring to older teammates, asserting her will on the game.
“The whole season was cool and a great opportunity for me to learn and grow,” she said. “I definitely listen to what my teammates have to say, but I also feel I want to play my own game.”
Burke also plays basketball for Geneva, but soccer is the sport most closely connected to her personality and manner. She started playing at age 3 in Fox Valley youth leagues.
“I just like how fast-paced it is,” Burke said. “Soccer is one of those sports where the other team could be better than you, but if you work harder, you always have a chance of winning.
“I think the moment everything clicked for me was when I joined my first club team and realized how much fun this is.”
The older players welcomed her immediately as a bright, natural and gifted player.
“She’s grown a lot, starting off shy but now very sweet and goofy,” Pohlman said. “Pasta parties with her were a lot of fun. She’s great to be around — the kind of person who’s always there for her teammates.”
And as the Vikings cut through the playoff field, the moment was never overwhelming for her.
“I think the success really helped with my confidence and helped me grow as a player,” Burke said. “It’s amazing winning these important games and being able to celebrate afterward.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
