Miller’s 'hatter' paces SCE past Batavia
Another 2nd half surge keys no. 6 Saints
By Steve Nemeth
ST. CHARLES -- When it came to sequels, the script favored St. Charles East over Batavia.
Prior to Monday’s second game of the Tri-Cities Night twinbill, both schools were coming off notable performances.
Batavia had just dealt previously undefeated St. Charles North a 2-1 setback last Thursday. The Saints played their regular-season road finale at Wheaton North. Both squads erased 1-0 halftime deficits to win and set the stage for this pivotal DuKane Conference showdown.
Fueled by a Hannah Miller hat-trick, the Saints – ranked no. 6 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 Poll – once again used a second-half scoring surge, this time for Monday’s 4-1 victory over Batavia.
The Bulldogs rose to the no. 7 slot thanks to the surprise that brought St. Charles North’s 58-match regular-season unbeaten streak to an end. It also altered expectations in the inaugural DKC girls soccer race. Because the North Stars rallied earlier in the year beat rival St. Charles East, they were considered the favorite.
But Batavia changed that, only to have its status as a new leader curtailed by the Saints.
Now the possibility exists for a three-way tie at the top depending on the various outcomes possible when it all wraps up Thursday. Both the Bulldogs (14-4-2) and North Stars (15-1-1) own 5-1-0 conference records with 15 points and one match left.
In the meantime, St. Charles East (17-5-0, 4-1-0, 12 points) is home for a Tuesday make-up date plus the Thursday contest for a chance to also reach 18 points. Of course, a loss by anyone -- or even a draw -- can alter the ultimate point total.
What made Monday's second half most intriguing was Batavia erasing a deficit just 46 seconds before halftime. That was unlike the victory over the northern version of St. Charles when the Bulldogs scored twice during the final 18 minutes.
There was 19:58 elapsed in the initial half when East took the lead as Miller -- the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match for a second-consecutive game -- attacked from the left and used “a great pass” from Elle McCaslin for an 11-yarder.
As was the case earlier in the half, both goalkeepers – East’s Grace Griffin and Batavia starter Aubrey Hahn -- came through with blocks, saves, or deflections. The Saints’ perpetual-motion machine, a.k.a. Kayla Villa, had a 19-yard cannon shot from the left wing only to have Hahn make a huge diving save with 7:35 left before halftime.
There was 1:51 remaining prior to the break when Batavia’s Anna Holcombe launched a 36-yard free kick that required a Griffin catching save. The following Bulldogs advance was different. It began with a Cece Hamann through-ball which Holcombe used to maneuver into place for a 24-yard cracker.
“Cece’s ball ran through to an opening from where I was able to cut to the middle and then cut back against a defender in order to see a gap,” Holcombe recalled. “It felt great to get us right back into the match, and I’m sure it disappointed them to be even again.”
“That was a nice transition. We found the open person, and Anna created a nice opportunity for herself, which was nice to see,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco said.
For Holcombe it was a team-high 10th goal to go with 10 assists. It was Hamann’s second assist.
“Getting hit by that counter did kind of shock us,” East coach Vince DiNuzzo allowed. “But I’m glad we responded, and our second half play was awesome.”
Last week, Miller needed a mere 37 seconds to spark the Saints comeback against Wheaton North, this time it took 2:05 after halftime. McCaslin had a powerhouse shot that Hailey Flannagan –- Batavia’s goalie for the second half -- deflected before Miller chipped into the upper right.
“The second one I saw Elle penetrating toward the end line, so I got in front of the last defender anticipating either a pass or a shot from her,” Miller said.
Holcombe, an Indiana State signee, offered an honest assessment of Batavia’s fortunes after East’s quick strike.
“It all kind of went downhill on us,” she said.
There was a run of 16 matches during which the Bulldogs allowed a mere six goals. The final four-goal yield was the most Batavia allowed since an early-season 4-1 loss to Waubonsie Valley (on March 18).
Invigorated by regaining the lead so quickly, East began to dominate play statistically. Ultimately the Saints finished with a 22-10 advantage in overall attempts and a 15-6 edge for shots on goal. Corner kicks also favored East 3-1.
At the 61:36 timepoint, Miller returned the favor of McCaslin’s previous two assists. Both players now have 12 assists for the year while McCaslin picked up her 23rd goal.
Both players enjoy winning above scoring goals, so neither is interested in competing against the other. However Miller now joins McCaslin with a hat-trick this season. McCaslin’s came against Huntley in March; Miller’s became official with 6:51 left to be played. The sophomore sent a 31-yard virtual heat-seeking missile from the left side that ricocheted in off the far right post bringing her season total to 17 goals.
“While all of our forwards were making great runs I thought I might as well have a go at it. Being my first (high school) hat-trick, it is a big accomplishment,” Miller said.
In keeping with her engaging personality, as play resumed Miller yelled “That’s your birthday present” to long-time Saints assistant coach Bernie Kehoe. The unofficial “Prince of St. Charles,” Kehoe simply shares the same birth date as England’s new "boy Prince of Sussex” and the prince of Detroit rock Bob Seger.
While DiNuzzo thought the hat-trick spoke volumes on behalf of Miller, he didn’t hesitate to add compliments for the play of Villa.
“She was excellent tonight, whether it was her ability to hold the ball, create problems for their defenders; it was great to see her take her game to a new level,” DiNuzzo said.
However East must relish the victory for less than 24 hours. The Saints are back on the Norris Stadium turf Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. date with DKC cellar-dweller Glenbard North. And then on Thursday there’s a 6:30 p.m. visit from Lake Park.
After that, East is the three-seed starting the postseason on May 14 against regional site host and 14-seed Hoffman Estates.
The upcoming playoffs have always been and remain the focal point for Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco.
“I’ve said for 20 years, I don’t really care about conference (as much as postseason). Did I want to win this? Sure,” Gianfrancesco said. “But the big picture was taking care of other things, like seeing where some people fit in for us.”
That was a nod to having standout senior defender and co-captain Jenna Nichols sidelined by a knee injury.
“I’m not taking anything away from East. In the second half they really jumped on us,” Gianfrancesco admitted. “Tonight was not our night. Do we want to beat Wheaton North? Sure, but the big picture at this point is what follows that match.”
After the 6:30 p.m. visit to Wheaton North, Batavia serves as a regional host. The Bulldogs are a four-seed starting off on May 14 against 13th-seeded Elk Grove. A victory in that match would then lead to a regional championship battle rematch with a DKC foe -- Geneva or Lake Park.
Starting lineups
Batavia
GK Aubrey Hahn
D Kate Schoenfelder
D Taylor Fleury
D Kyla MacKenzie
M Cece Hamann
M Bella Zink
M Abby Zipse
M Chloe Valentino
M Zaira Solis
F Anna Holcombe
F Grace Salyers
St. Charles East
GK Grace Griffin
D Lindsey Rzeszutko
D Jessica Stepien
D Megan Stout
D Ashley DiOrio
M Renee Unterberg
M Alondra Carranza
M Margaret Harper
F Kayla Villa
F Hannah Miller
F Elle McCaslin
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Hannah Miller, so. MF St. Charles East
Officials: Boris Vulcovic (center), Dana Joras, Christie Ernts
Game summary
St. Charles East 4, Batavia 1
Batavia 1 0 -- 1 (14-4-2, 5-1-0)
St. Charles East 1 3 -- 4 (17-5-0, 4-1-0)
Scoring
First half
SCE -- Miller left side follow-up 11-yarder (McCaslin assist), 19:58 gone
B -- Holcombe cut into middle, cut back left 24-yarder (Hamann assist), 39:14 gone
Second half
SCE -- Miller 14-yard chip into upper right (McCaslin assist), 42:05 gone
SCE -- McCaslin 12-yard putback off keeper block (Miller assist), 61:36 gone
SCE -- Miller left wing 31-yard missile off right post and in (unassisted), 73:09 gone
Shots
B 5 – 5 -- 10
SCE 7 – 15 -- 22
Shots on goal
B 4 – 2 -- 6
SCE 4 – 11 -- 15
Saves (goalie)
B (Hahn) 4 – (Flannagan) 6 (1 by defender) 7 -- 11
SCE (Griffin) 3 – 2 -- 5
Corner kicks
B 0 – 1 -- 1
SCE 1 – 2 -- 3
Offsides
B 2 – 1 -- 3
SCE 3 – 0 -- 3
Another 2nd half surge keys no. 6 Saints
By Steve Nemeth
ST. CHARLES -- When it came to sequels, the script favored St. Charles East over Batavia.
Prior to Monday’s second game of the Tri-Cities Night twinbill, both schools were coming off notable performances.
Batavia had just dealt previously undefeated St. Charles North a 2-1 setback last Thursday. The Saints played their regular-season road finale at Wheaton North. Both squads erased 1-0 halftime deficits to win and set the stage for this pivotal DuKane Conference showdown.
Fueled by a Hannah Miller hat-trick, the Saints – ranked no. 6 in the Chicagoland Soccer Top 25 Poll – once again used a second-half scoring surge, this time for Monday’s 4-1 victory over Batavia.
The Bulldogs rose to the no. 7 slot thanks to the surprise that brought St. Charles North’s 58-match regular-season unbeaten streak to an end. It also altered expectations in the inaugural DKC girls soccer race. Because the North Stars rallied earlier in the year beat rival St. Charles East, they were considered the favorite.
But Batavia changed that, only to have its status as a new leader curtailed by the Saints.
Now the possibility exists for a three-way tie at the top depending on the various outcomes possible when it all wraps up Thursday. Both the Bulldogs (14-4-2) and North Stars (15-1-1) own 5-1-0 conference records with 15 points and one match left.
In the meantime, St. Charles East (17-5-0, 4-1-0, 12 points) is home for a Tuesday make-up date plus the Thursday contest for a chance to also reach 18 points. Of course, a loss by anyone -- or even a draw -- can alter the ultimate point total.
What made Monday's second half most intriguing was Batavia erasing a deficit just 46 seconds before halftime. That was unlike the victory over the northern version of St. Charles when the Bulldogs scored twice during the final 18 minutes.
There was 19:58 elapsed in the initial half when East took the lead as Miller -- the Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match for a second-consecutive game -- attacked from the left and used “a great pass” from Elle McCaslin for an 11-yarder.
As was the case earlier in the half, both goalkeepers – East’s Grace Griffin and Batavia starter Aubrey Hahn -- came through with blocks, saves, or deflections. The Saints’ perpetual-motion machine, a.k.a. Kayla Villa, had a 19-yard cannon shot from the left wing only to have Hahn make a huge diving save with 7:35 left before halftime.
There was 1:51 remaining prior to the break when Batavia’s Anna Holcombe launched a 36-yard free kick that required a Griffin catching save. The following Bulldogs advance was different. It began with a Cece Hamann through-ball which Holcombe used to maneuver into place for a 24-yard cracker.
“Cece’s ball ran through to an opening from where I was able to cut to the middle and then cut back against a defender in order to see a gap,” Holcombe recalled. “It felt great to get us right back into the match, and I’m sure it disappointed them to be even again.”
“That was a nice transition. We found the open person, and Anna created a nice opportunity for herself, which was nice to see,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco said.
For Holcombe it was a team-high 10th goal to go with 10 assists. It was Hamann’s second assist.
“Getting hit by that counter did kind of shock us,” East coach Vince DiNuzzo allowed. “But I’m glad we responded, and our second half play was awesome.”
Last week, Miller needed a mere 37 seconds to spark the Saints comeback against Wheaton North, this time it took 2:05 after halftime. McCaslin had a powerhouse shot that Hailey Flannagan –- Batavia’s goalie for the second half -- deflected before Miller chipped into the upper right.
“The second one I saw Elle penetrating toward the end line, so I got in front of the last defender anticipating either a pass or a shot from her,” Miller said.
Holcombe, an Indiana State signee, offered an honest assessment of Batavia’s fortunes after East’s quick strike.
“It all kind of went downhill on us,” she said.
There was a run of 16 matches during which the Bulldogs allowed a mere six goals. The final four-goal yield was the most Batavia allowed since an early-season 4-1 loss to Waubonsie Valley (on March 18).
Invigorated by regaining the lead so quickly, East began to dominate play statistically. Ultimately the Saints finished with a 22-10 advantage in overall attempts and a 15-6 edge for shots on goal. Corner kicks also favored East 3-1.
At the 61:36 timepoint, Miller returned the favor of McCaslin’s previous two assists. Both players now have 12 assists for the year while McCaslin picked up her 23rd goal.
Both players enjoy winning above scoring goals, so neither is interested in competing against the other. However Miller now joins McCaslin with a hat-trick this season. McCaslin’s came against Huntley in March; Miller’s became official with 6:51 left to be played. The sophomore sent a 31-yard virtual heat-seeking missile from the left side that ricocheted in off the far right post bringing her season total to 17 goals.
“While all of our forwards were making great runs I thought I might as well have a go at it. Being my first (high school) hat-trick, it is a big accomplishment,” Miller said.
In keeping with her engaging personality, as play resumed Miller yelled “That’s your birthday present” to long-time Saints assistant coach Bernie Kehoe. The unofficial “Prince of St. Charles,” Kehoe simply shares the same birth date as England’s new "boy Prince of Sussex” and the prince of Detroit rock Bob Seger.
While DiNuzzo thought the hat-trick spoke volumes on behalf of Miller, he didn’t hesitate to add compliments for the play of Villa.
“She was excellent tonight, whether it was her ability to hold the ball, create problems for their defenders; it was great to see her take her game to a new level,” DiNuzzo said.
However East must relish the victory for less than 24 hours. The Saints are back on the Norris Stadium turf Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. date with DKC cellar-dweller Glenbard North. And then on Thursday there’s a 6:30 p.m. visit from Lake Park.
After that, East is the three-seed starting the postseason on May 14 against regional site host and 14-seed Hoffman Estates.
The upcoming playoffs have always been and remain the focal point for Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco.
“I’ve said for 20 years, I don’t really care about conference (as much as postseason). Did I want to win this? Sure,” Gianfrancesco said. “But the big picture was taking care of other things, like seeing where some people fit in for us.”
That was a nod to having standout senior defender and co-captain Jenna Nichols sidelined by a knee injury.
“I’m not taking anything away from East. In the second half they really jumped on us,” Gianfrancesco admitted. “Tonight was not our night. Do we want to beat Wheaton North? Sure, but the big picture at this point is what follows that match.”
After the 6:30 p.m. visit to Wheaton North, Batavia serves as a regional host. The Bulldogs are a four-seed starting off on May 14 against 13th-seeded Elk Grove. A victory in that match would then lead to a regional championship battle rematch with a DKC foe -- Geneva or Lake Park.
Starting lineups
Batavia
GK Aubrey Hahn
D Kate Schoenfelder
D Taylor Fleury
D Kyla MacKenzie
M Cece Hamann
M Bella Zink
M Abby Zipse
M Chloe Valentino
M Zaira Solis
F Anna Holcombe
F Grace Salyers
St. Charles East
GK Grace Griffin
D Lindsey Rzeszutko
D Jessica Stepien
D Megan Stout
D Ashley DiOrio
M Renee Unterberg
M Alondra Carranza
M Margaret Harper
F Kayla Villa
F Hannah Miller
F Elle McCaslin
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Hannah Miller, so. MF St. Charles East
Officials: Boris Vulcovic (center), Dana Joras, Christie Ernts
Game summary
St. Charles East 4, Batavia 1
Batavia 1 0 -- 1 (14-4-2, 5-1-0)
St. Charles East 1 3 -- 4 (17-5-0, 4-1-0)
Scoring
First half
SCE -- Miller left side follow-up 11-yarder (McCaslin assist), 19:58 gone
B -- Holcombe cut into middle, cut back left 24-yarder (Hamann assist), 39:14 gone
Second half
SCE -- Miller 14-yard chip into upper right (McCaslin assist), 42:05 gone
SCE -- McCaslin 12-yard putback off keeper block (Miller assist), 61:36 gone
SCE -- Miller left wing 31-yard missile off right post and in (unassisted), 73:09 gone
Shots
B 5 – 5 -- 10
SCE 7 – 15 -- 22
Shots on goal
B 4 – 2 -- 6
SCE 4 – 11 -- 15
Saves (goalie)
B (Hahn) 4 – (Flannagan) 6 (1 by defender) 7 -- 11
SCE (Griffin) 3 – 2 -- 5
Corner kicks
B 0 – 1 -- 1
SCE 1 – 2 -- 3
Offsides
B 2 – 1 -- 3
SCE 3 – 0 -- 3