Batavia, lightning prevail over WWS
No. 22 Bulldogs upset 16th-ranked Tigers, are 'Z' DKC leaders
By Steve Nemeth
BATAVIA --- It would be fair to say lightning in the distance decided Wednesday’s DuKane Conference match between Wheaton Warrenville South and host Batavia.
In a fairly uneventful first half that featured a lot of back-and-forth play, Batavia’s Zaira Solis was deep on the right flank. But in a flash her tough-angle, 19-yarder was a bolt that struck the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The visiting Tigers were pressing hard for an equalizer throughout the second half, but Mother Nature’s lighted version illuminated dark clouds beyond the goal. Although in the distance, a couple jagged bolts could be seen and the light rumble of thunder prompted match officials to declare the game complete despite 5:05 still showing on the scoreboard.
“Winning that way doesn’t make you feel any better,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco acknowledged. “With five minutes left, you’d like to finish it.”
However, the host Bulldogs are happy with their improved records: 10-1-2 with an unbeaten streak of 10-straight matches (8-0-2), plus a perfect 3-0-0 for DKC matches. Not bad for Chicagoland Soccer’s no.-22 rated squad, which has faced five currently ranked programs with four more to come.
For the no. 16 Tigers, slipping to 6-3-0 overall and to 0-2-0 in the league wasn’t the preferred way to begin three-consecutive DuKane contests. It’s even more disheartening coming on the heels of a 2-1 home loss the day before to Downers Grove North.
“I think (Tuesday’s loss) took a lot out of them,” Wheaton Warrenville South coach Guy Callipari said. “They played hard, but we had no legs left.”
Despite having the wind advantage for the second half, the Tigers were literally and figuratively thwarted by Batavia’s “Z-Force”: Zaira (Solis), (Abby) Zipse and (Bella) Zink
Although not on a par yet with such historical units as TV’s A-Team, basketball’s Dream Team or Fab Five, football’s Steel Curtain or Kardiac Kids, the Bulldogs' “Z-Force” had stellar performances all over the field.
Zaira chalking her fourth goal of the season and third game-winner earned her Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match status.
“Zaira has played really well the last several matches scoring goals and assisting her teammates,” Gianfrancesco said after noting her two assists on Monday in a 3-0 road win over Plainfield North, which is listed among the honorable mention teams in the Top 25. “Based on the system we play, she has the toughest job on the pitch. She is up to support the attack and serve balls into the box, but then the next minute she needs to get back and defend.”
Wheaton Warrenville South was on the defensive just 54 seconds in as Batavia’s CeCe Hamann cut back to the middle for a blast that required Tigers goalie Abbie Brennan to make a punch save. Both sides followed with shots that sailed either high or wide until the deadlock was broken with 12:51 left before halftime.
“I got a ball from Anna (Holcombe) in the open on the right side, I looked up and took a touch in and then saw the keeper leaning (toward the near post),” Solis explained. “I knew going in the wind would be a benefit so I aimed for the (far) left corner. I think their goalie kind of tipped it, but the wind definitely helped.”
Gaining the lead enthused the Bulldogs for the remainder of the half. However a series of shots by Zipse, Grace Salyers, and Holcombe, whose assist on the Solis goal was her team-high ninth, missed either wide or high.
“It was a tale of two halves,” Callipari said. “I thought we weathered the first half, with the wind helping what could be considered a soft goal we gave up. But in the second half we had trouble breaking down their defense. Batavia is well-organized, and they played well through all three thirds (of the field) and were strong in back.
“We did more chasing than we wanted to, and when we were in their area we still had to win tackles. I don’t think we won enough tonight,” Callipari added.
South quad-captain and senior standout Paige Miller hoped the outcome would be a teaching moment.
“Batavia was playing a high backline, and I think we could have taken advantage of that. We came out a little exhausted from (Tuesday night), but that’s not a reason to not recognize opportunities and take advantage of them,” Miller said.
Quite frankly the Tigers had their best opportunities during the second half. Ellery Fahey used a through-ball for a virtual 1-v.-1 but Batavia defender Kate Schoenfelder snuffed that attempt. A few minutes later Fahey had a shot blocked off the line by Solis and a follow-up South attempt was then covered by goalie Aubrey Hahn.
This time the freshman keeper took over from junior Hailey Flannagan, who started in net for Batavia. The duo have alternated halves throughout the season with seven of their nine shutouts for the year occurring during the last eight matches.
“As the games go on, we’re getting better,” Solis said “We’ve adjusted to playing four in the back instead of five, it’s technically three when I go up. I try to be smart, hold back when needed or time my runs. But we have such a solid backline with Taylor (Fleury), Jenna (Nichols) and Kate (Schoenfelder).”
As much as Gianfrancesco credits Solis and the Bulldogs defense, he recognizes the value of the midfield duo of Zink and Zipse.
“Bella and Abby play club soccer together, so naturally I like their relationship in the middle,” Gianfrancesco said. “Bella has a wonderful touch and vision that helps us move the ball fluidly from one side to the other. She can play physical if needed or wrap into her finesse game. Either way it helps our team.
“Abby is just a tireless player. She is always working hard and making an impact on the game. We could not play the system we play without her energy and distribution in the middle of the pitch,” Gianfrancesco added.
“3-0 in conference feels pretty satisfying,” Zipse said. “It shows a positive result on how well the team’s chemistry has developed. Getting this win under our belt will hopefully push us forward and give us confidence for our remaining games.”
Zink echoed that philosophy.
“Being 3-0 in conference does feel real good,” Zink said. “I’m very excited for my team, we are doing really well and meshing together. We’ve worked super hard, so I’m excited for the upcoming challenges.”
The Bulldogs hit the road for a Saturday high noon nonconference showdown with poll honorable=mention member Metea Valley before hosting no. 15 Geneva on Tuesday in another DKC outing.
Wheaton Warrenville South takes the weekend to regroup and get healthier before league matches Tuesday at Wheaton North followed by a Thursday home date against Lake Park.
Starting lineups
Wheaton Warrenville South
GK: Abbie Brennan
D Becca Hauenstein
D Maddie Monaco
D Maria Dohse
D Sam Buol
M Evelyn Demsher
M J.J. Aalbue
M Audrey Siebert
M Melisa Hadzic
M Ellery Fahey
F Paige Miller
Batavia
GK: Hailey Flannagan
D Taylor Fleury
D Jenna Nichols
D Kate Schoenfelder
D Zaira Solis
M Kyla MacKenzie
M Bella Zink
M Abby Zipse
F Anna Holcombe
F CeCe Hamann
F Grace Salyers
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Zaira Solis, sr. D, Batavia
Officials: Justin O'Bryan (center), Russ Hunt, John Elenbaas
Game summary
Batavia 1, Wheaton Warrenville South 0
WW South 0 0 --- 0 (7-2-0 / DKC: 0-2-0)
Batavia 1 0 --- 1 (10-1-2 / DKC: 3-0-0)
Scoring
First half
Bat --- Solis 19-yarder from far right sails inside far left post (Holcombe assist), 27:09 gone
Second half
No scoring
Shots
WWS 3 – 8 --- 11
Bat 8 – 5 --- 13
Shots on goal
WWS 1 – 4 --- 5
Bat 3 – 2 --- 5
Saves (goalie)
WWS (Brennan) 2 – 2 --- 4
Bat (Flannagan) 1 – (Hahn 2 / defenders 2) 4 --- 5
Corner kicks
WWS 0 – 1 --- 1
Bat 1 – 3 --- 4
Offsides
WWS 1 – 0 --- 1
Bat 0 – 1 --- 1
No. 22 Bulldogs upset 16th-ranked Tigers, are 'Z' DKC leaders
By Steve Nemeth
BATAVIA --- It would be fair to say lightning in the distance decided Wednesday’s DuKane Conference match between Wheaton Warrenville South and host Batavia.
In a fairly uneventful first half that featured a lot of back-and-forth play, Batavia’s Zaira Solis was deep on the right flank. But in a flash her tough-angle, 19-yarder was a bolt that struck the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The visiting Tigers were pressing hard for an equalizer throughout the second half, but Mother Nature’s lighted version illuminated dark clouds beyond the goal. Although in the distance, a couple jagged bolts could be seen and the light rumble of thunder prompted match officials to declare the game complete despite 5:05 still showing on the scoreboard.
“Winning that way doesn’t make you feel any better,” Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco acknowledged. “With five minutes left, you’d like to finish it.”
However, the host Bulldogs are happy with their improved records: 10-1-2 with an unbeaten streak of 10-straight matches (8-0-2), plus a perfect 3-0-0 for DKC matches. Not bad for Chicagoland Soccer’s no.-22 rated squad, which has faced five currently ranked programs with four more to come.
For the no. 16 Tigers, slipping to 6-3-0 overall and to 0-2-0 in the league wasn’t the preferred way to begin three-consecutive DuKane contests. It’s even more disheartening coming on the heels of a 2-1 home loss the day before to Downers Grove North.
“I think (Tuesday’s loss) took a lot out of them,” Wheaton Warrenville South coach Guy Callipari said. “They played hard, but we had no legs left.”
Despite having the wind advantage for the second half, the Tigers were literally and figuratively thwarted by Batavia’s “Z-Force”: Zaira (Solis), (Abby) Zipse and (Bella) Zink
Although not on a par yet with such historical units as TV’s A-Team, basketball’s Dream Team or Fab Five, football’s Steel Curtain or Kardiac Kids, the Bulldogs' “Z-Force” had stellar performances all over the field.
Zaira chalking her fourth goal of the season and third game-winner earned her Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match status.
“Zaira has played really well the last several matches scoring goals and assisting her teammates,” Gianfrancesco said after noting her two assists on Monday in a 3-0 road win over Plainfield North, which is listed among the honorable mention teams in the Top 25. “Based on the system we play, she has the toughest job on the pitch. She is up to support the attack and serve balls into the box, but then the next minute she needs to get back and defend.”
Wheaton Warrenville South was on the defensive just 54 seconds in as Batavia’s CeCe Hamann cut back to the middle for a blast that required Tigers goalie Abbie Brennan to make a punch save. Both sides followed with shots that sailed either high or wide until the deadlock was broken with 12:51 left before halftime.
“I got a ball from Anna (Holcombe) in the open on the right side, I looked up and took a touch in and then saw the keeper leaning (toward the near post),” Solis explained. “I knew going in the wind would be a benefit so I aimed for the (far) left corner. I think their goalie kind of tipped it, but the wind definitely helped.”
Gaining the lead enthused the Bulldogs for the remainder of the half. However a series of shots by Zipse, Grace Salyers, and Holcombe, whose assist on the Solis goal was her team-high ninth, missed either wide or high.
“It was a tale of two halves,” Callipari said. “I thought we weathered the first half, with the wind helping what could be considered a soft goal we gave up. But in the second half we had trouble breaking down their defense. Batavia is well-organized, and they played well through all three thirds (of the field) and were strong in back.
“We did more chasing than we wanted to, and when we were in their area we still had to win tackles. I don’t think we won enough tonight,” Callipari added.
South quad-captain and senior standout Paige Miller hoped the outcome would be a teaching moment.
“Batavia was playing a high backline, and I think we could have taken advantage of that. We came out a little exhausted from (Tuesday night), but that’s not a reason to not recognize opportunities and take advantage of them,” Miller said.
Quite frankly the Tigers had their best opportunities during the second half. Ellery Fahey used a through-ball for a virtual 1-v.-1 but Batavia defender Kate Schoenfelder snuffed that attempt. A few minutes later Fahey had a shot blocked off the line by Solis and a follow-up South attempt was then covered by goalie Aubrey Hahn.
This time the freshman keeper took over from junior Hailey Flannagan, who started in net for Batavia. The duo have alternated halves throughout the season with seven of their nine shutouts for the year occurring during the last eight matches.
“As the games go on, we’re getting better,” Solis said “We’ve adjusted to playing four in the back instead of five, it’s technically three when I go up. I try to be smart, hold back when needed or time my runs. But we have such a solid backline with Taylor (Fleury), Jenna (Nichols) and Kate (Schoenfelder).”
As much as Gianfrancesco credits Solis and the Bulldogs defense, he recognizes the value of the midfield duo of Zink and Zipse.
“Bella and Abby play club soccer together, so naturally I like their relationship in the middle,” Gianfrancesco said. “Bella has a wonderful touch and vision that helps us move the ball fluidly from one side to the other. She can play physical if needed or wrap into her finesse game. Either way it helps our team.
“Abby is just a tireless player. She is always working hard and making an impact on the game. We could not play the system we play without her energy and distribution in the middle of the pitch,” Gianfrancesco added.
“3-0 in conference feels pretty satisfying,” Zipse said. “It shows a positive result on how well the team’s chemistry has developed. Getting this win under our belt will hopefully push us forward and give us confidence for our remaining games.”
Zink echoed that philosophy.
“Being 3-0 in conference does feel real good,” Zink said. “I’m very excited for my team, we are doing really well and meshing together. We’ve worked super hard, so I’m excited for the upcoming challenges.”
The Bulldogs hit the road for a Saturday high noon nonconference showdown with poll honorable=mention member Metea Valley before hosting no. 15 Geneva on Tuesday in another DKC outing.
Wheaton Warrenville South takes the weekend to regroup and get healthier before league matches Tuesday at Wheaton North followed by a Thursday home date against Lake Park.
Starting lineups
Wheaton Warrenville South
GK: Abbie Brennan
D Becca Hauenstein
D Maddie Monaco
D Maria Dohse
D Sam Buol
M Evelyn Demsher
M J.J. Aalbue
M Audrey Siebert
M Melisa Hadzic
M Ellery Fahey
F Paige Miller
Batavia
GK: Hailey Flannagan
D Taylor Fleury
D Jenna Nichols
D Kate Schoenfelder
D Zaira Solis
M Kyla MacKenzie
M Bella Zink
M Abby Zipse
F Anna Holcombe
F CeCe Hamann
F Grace Salyers
Chicagoland Soccer MVP of the Match: Zaira Solis, sr. D, Batavia
Officials: Justin O'Bryan (center), Russ Hunt, John Elenbaas
Game summary
Batavia 1, Wheaton Warrenville South 0
WW South 0 0 --- 0 (7-2-0 / DKC: 0-2-0)
Batavia 1 0 --- 1 (10-1-2 / DKC: 3-0-0)
Scoring
First half
Bat --- Solis 19-yarder from far right sails inside far left post (Holcombe assist), 27:09 gone
Second half
No scoring
Shots
WWS 3 – 8 --- 11
Bat 8 – 5 --- 13
Shots on goal
WWS 1 – 4 --- 5
Bat 3 – 2 --- 5
Saves (goalie)
WWS (Brennan) 2 – 2 --- 4
Bat (Flannagan) 1 – (Hahn 2 / defenders 2) 4 --- 5
Corner kicks
WWS 0 – 1 --- 1
Bat 1 – 3 --- 4
Offsides
WWS 1 – 0 --- 1
Bat 0 – 1 --- 1