Tuesday night lights: undefeateds
Batavia and Geneva ready for spotlight
By Dave Owen
Move over, Friday night football in October. The biggest game of the 2016-17 school year in Geneva’s stadium will likely be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
That’s when the Vikings (12-0-0 and ranked sixth in the Chicagoland Soccer poll) host Batavia (11-0-0 and ranked no. 7) in a battle of unbeaten girls soccer powerhouses.
The traditional rivalry between Fox River neighbors figures to be more intense with a perfect record and a likely no. 1 sectional seed on the line.
“Any time we play any of the Tri-Cities area teams (St. Charles East and North, or Batavia), it’s a big rivalry game because all four schools are so strong at soccer and so many of the girls know each other through playing club together,” Geneva coach Megan Owens said.
“This year there’s a bit more emotion riding on the Batavia game. It will be great for our team, because there’ll be a lot of emotion and pressure involved in this game, making it similar to a playoff atmosphere.”
Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco noted the historical significance of Tuesday’s match.
“I don't recall both teams being undefeated at this point in the season since I’ve been the head coach,” said Gianfrancesco. “Typically we are both at one or two losses at this point depending on scheduling.”
That said, the Lady Bulldogs mentor is trying to keep the high profile showdown in perspective.
“I’ve never played into the rivalry with Geneva or any of the other Tri-Cities teams with my teams, boys or girls,” he said. “The Tri-Cities have always had good teams, and it’s always a good opportunity to see where the team is during those matches.
“We want to play the same way we’ve played throughout the season and adapt as the game unfolds. The season does not end if we win or lose against Geneva. We want to compete and push ourselves to be the best every time we go out to play.”
That plan has certainly worked to perfection for both sides this spring.
Geneva’s domination has been incredible – the Vikings have outscored their 12 foes by a staggering 57-3 combined margin this season, with a 3-2 win Saturday over Waubonsie Valley marking only the second opponent to get on the scoreboard.
Batavia’s resume is equally wowing – a 42-4 overall scoring margin against their 11 opponents.
Each side’s dominance has been a tribute to depth and teamwork.
“We’re undefeated because everyone on the team is playing well and working hard,” Owens said of her Geneva squad. “My offensive unit has outscored their opponents by 50 goals, and the best part is we have a variety of players who have been able to find the back of the net.
“Our defense has only allowed three goals so far this season so they are off to a fantastic start as well. We have a D1 keeper (senior Emma Harkleroad) and a future D1 keeper (freshman Katie Montgomery) in the net for us, as well as a talented bench, so everyone on the team deserves a shout-out for their efforts.”
Batavia’s perfect run includes four shutouts in a row, the latest a 3-0 win over former no. 25 Plainfield North on Saturday.
“It would be hard to single out players, because I feel so many players are making an impact when we play,” Gianfrancesco said. “The seniors have been doing a nice job of leading the way.”
Offensive stars Keegan Maris and Cameron Hindel are part of a senior-laden Batavia starting lineup.
“With Batavia having so many seniors on their team, they bring more experience to the table,” Owens said. “But I’m confident in my players’ ability to play on the big stage. We need to focus on playing our game and on staying mentally focused for the complete 80 minutes.”
Asked about his main concerns with Geneva, Gianfrancesco had a quick answer.
“The concern with Geneva is that they’re a good team!,” he said. “They’ve had a nice season to date, and we hope we can give them a good match.
“The key to the match is to stick with what has being working, don't try to do too much, and play with confidence.”
Confidence and fan interest should be in huge supply for both sides Tuesday – although both teams have sights set on even higher profile matches to come in late May.
“It will be a great learning experience for all players involved,” Owens said of Tuesday’s showdown. “My main focus is that we are continuing to improve as the season progresses.”
Geneva follows the Batavia match by facing three-time defending state champion and currrently third-ranked New Trier.
“We are excited to play both Batavia and New Trier this week,” Owens said. “Playing these quality teams will be good tests for us and will help us determine what we still need to work on improving prior to the postseason. And while we have had a fantastic start, our main focus is the postseason.
“Losing 0-1 to St. Charles North in the sectional championship last year was tough to swallow. Although we graduated some seniors, our new additions to the team have filled those gaps seamlessly, and we are working towards a deep postseason run this year.”
As for Tuesday, buckle up for a great soccer match.
Batavia and Geneva ready for spotlight
By Dave Owen
Move over, Friday night football in October. The biggest game of the 2016-17 school year in Geneva’s stadium will likely be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
That’s when the Vikings (12-0-0 and ranked sixth in the Chicagoland Soccer poll) host Batavia (11-0-0 and ranked no. 7) in a battle of unbeaten girls soccer powerhouses.
The traditional rivalry between Fox River neighbors figures to be more intense with a perfect record and a likely no. 1 sectional seed on the line.
“Any time we play any of the Tri-Cities area teams (St. Charles East and North, or Batavia), it’s a big rivalry game because all four schools are so strong at soccer and so many of the girls know each other through playing club together,” Geneva coach Megan Owens said.
“This year there’s a bit more emotion riding on the Batavia game. It will be great for our team, because there’ll be a lot of emotion and pressure involved in this game, making it similar to a playoff atmosphere.”
Batavia coach Mark Gianfrancesco noted the historical significance of Tuesday’s match.
“I don't recall both teams being undefeated at this point in the season since I’ve been the head coach,” said Gianfrancesco. “Typically we are both at one or two losses at this point depending on scheduling.”
That said, the Lady Bulldogs mentor is trying to keep the high profile showdown in perspective.
“I’ve never played into the rivalry with Geneva or any of the other Tri-Cities teams with my teams, boys or girls,” he said. “The Tri-Cities have always had good teams, and it’s always a good opportunity to see where the team is during those matches.
“We want to play the same way we’ve played throughout the season and adapt as the game unfolds. The season does not end if we win or lose against Geneva. We want to compete and push ourselves to be the best every time we go out to play.”
That plan has certainly worked to perfection for both sides this spring.
Geneva’s domination has been incredible – the Vikings have outscored their 12 foes by a staggering 57-3 combined margin this season, with a 3-2 win Saturday over Waubonsie Valley marking only the second opponent to get on the scoreboard.
Batavia’s resume is equally wowing – a 42-4 overall scoring margin against their 11 opponents.
Each side’s dominance has been a tribute to depth and teamwork.
“We’re undefeated because everyone on the team is playing well and working hard,” Owens said of her Geneva squad. “My offensive unit has outscored their opponents by 50 goals, and the best part is we have a variety of players who have been able to find the back of the net.
“Our defense has only allowed three goals so far this season so they are off to a fantastic start as well. We have a D1 keeper (senior Emma Harkleroad) and a future D1 keeper (freshman Katie Montgomery) in the net for us, as well as a talented bench, so everyone on the team deserves a shout-out for their efforts.”
Batavia’s perfect run includes four shutouts in a row, the latest a 3-0 win over former no. 25 Plainfield North on Saturday.
“It would be hard to single out players, because I feel so many players are making an impact when we play,” Gianfrancesco said. “The seniors have been doing a nice job of leading the way.”
Offensive stars Keegan Maris and Cameron Hindel are part of a senior-laden Batavia starting lineup.
“With Batavia having so many seniors on their team, they bring more experience to the table,” Owens said. “But I’m confident in my players’ ability to play on the big stage. We need to focus on playing our game and on staying mentally focused for the complete 80 minutes.”
Asked about his main concerns with Geneva, Gianfrancesco had a quick answer.
“The concern with Geneva is that they’re a good team!,” he said. “They’ve had a nice season to date, and we hope we can give them a good match.
“The key to the match is to stick with what has being working, don't try to do too much, and play with confidence.”
Confidence and fan interest should be in huge supply for both sides Tuesday – although both teams have sights set on even higher profile matches to come in late May.
“It will be a great learning experience for all players involved,” Owens said of Tuesday’s showdown. “My main focus is that we are continuing to improve as the season progresses.”
Geneva follows the Batavia match by facing three-time defending state champion and currrently third-ranked New Trier.
“We are excited to play both Batavia and New Trier this week,” Owens said. “Playing these quality teams will be good tests for us and will help us determine what we still need to work on improving prior to the postseason. And while we have had a fantastic start, our main focus is the postseason.
“Losing 0-1 to St. Charles North in the sectional championship last year was tough to swallow. Although we graduated some seniors, our new additions to the team have filled those gaps seamlessly, and we are working towards a deep postseason run this year.”
As for Tuesday, buckle up for a great soccer match.