Benet, Saint Viator
renew long-standing rivalry
Plenty at stake when ESCC giants meet Saturday
By Mike Garofola
Without a doubt Benet and Saint Viator are two of the biggest players in the history of the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Since 1996, these high profile clubs have had a hand in 12 championships. The teams have shared the hardware twice (2010, 2014); the Lions have won the title outright seven times.
The Redwings enter Saturday's 10 a.m. match on Field 9 at Olympic Park in Schaumburg with a 4-0-1 record against Mike Taylor, who took on the girls side at Saint Viator in 2010.
Last spring the teams played to a 1-1 draw -- it was the only goal Bob Gros' Benet side conceded in conference play.
"When St. Viator meets Benet, it is always a key game in determing the eventual outcome in the ESCC," the Benet manager said. "However, as I have learned through my years in this league, this conference has a very competitive enviroment, with many unexpected results (so) we know this one game will not make or break the season for us."
In most years, this annual meeting is usually played on the final week of the regular season, which lends itself to plenty of thrills and drama leading up to this important contest.
"It has always been a traditon on the boys side to schedule our season finale against Benet. (It) usually has helped decide the conference champion, and is always the type of game, because of the importance, and strong rivalry, that helps prepare us for the upcoming postseason and state tournament," offered Taylor.
"I haven't had much luck with Bob's teams in my first five years, but that's because he always has a very good ballclub, and on Saturday, I fully expect the same thing from them."
Saint Viator plays the game after a long spring break lay-off, so its 2-0 victory over Marist on Thursday provided a needed tune-up.
"We obviously wanted to get a competitive match in before getting back into the swing of things, especially with Benet up next," said Taylor.
Taylor has blended several quality newcomers into the mix along with a terrific core of returning players, many of whom have shown the way for their first-year teammates. That has been a pleasure to watch for the longtime coach.
"Last year we had to move (Kayne) Stanely into the midfield to give us some physical play and stability, so it's been nice to move her to the backline where she is best fitted to play, and to give us our most valuable asset thus far - the defense."
Taylor points to the quartet of Maggie Leazer, Maureen McGrath, Emma Henry and Stanley as the reason for the Lions early success, as well as the addition of freshmen keeper, Anna Johnston, who despite her rookie status, provides plenty of composure, and solid tactical and technical sense in the key position.
"That group along the back, including Anna in goal, have been very stingy so far, and that's something we'll be looking to continue with Benet on Saturday," Taylor said.
This key ESCC battle will be one of the first major challenges of the season for both of the unbeaten clubs.
The Redwings have outscored the competition 27-4 thus far, led by forward, Kerry Abello, whose return from club soccer has given her team the cold-hearted finisher every side dreams of.
The sophomore has netted 12 thus far, while mates Ellie Bumpus (4 goals, 5 assists) and Loretta Elder (3 goals) have given Abello support in the scoring column.
Senior Emma Hlavin has been marvelous ever since stepping between the sticks for Gros. That included a memorable effort back in 2013, when the (then) sophomore roamed her box with confidence and ease and made several important stops during an overtime victory to help keep the Redwings ESCC title hopes alive. They were dashed several hours later when Carmel defeated Fenwick to clinch the ESCC crown.
"Emma has been so solid in the back for us all year long, while the play of our senior, Sophia Elbchiri, along with Ellie (Bumpus) and Abello have been equally outstanding thus far," said Gros.
"Playing this game late in the season means you're dealing with nagging injuries and such (while) early in the season, like this weekend means your still in the development stage of your team. Pick your poison.
"We'll be a little shorthanded against (Viator) due to some prior personal (family) commitments on behalf of a couple of girls, but we know Mike's team will be well prepared, and highly motivated as usual, and we'll be ready for that for sure."
After another week of league play, the Redwings will embark on their toughest stretch of the season, when they open round-robin play in the prestigious Naperville Invite against defending Class 3A champion New Trier and Class 2A power Boylan at Barrington High School in the last week of April.
renew long-standing rivalry
Plenty at stake when ESCC giants meet Saturday
By Mike Garofola
Without a doubt Benet and Saint Viator are two of the biggest players in the history of the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Since 1996, these high profile clubs have had a hand in 12 championships. The teams have shared the hardware twice (2010, 2014); the Lions have won the title outright seven times.
The Redwings enter Saturday's 10 a.m. match on Field 9 at Olympic Park in Schaumburg with a 4-0-1 record against Mike Taylor, who took on the girls side at Saint Viator in 2010.
Last spring the teams played to a 1-1 draw -- it was the only goal Bob Gros' Benet side conceded in conference play.
"When St. Viator meets Benet, it is always a key game in determing the eventual outcome in the ESCC," the Benet manager said. "However, as I have learned through my years in this league, this conference has a very competitive enviroment, with many unexpected results (so) we know this one game will not make or break the season for us."
In most years, this annual meeting is usually played on the final week of the regular season, which lends itself to plenty of thrills and drama leading up to this important contest.
"It has always been a traditon on the boys side to schedule our season finale against Benet. (It) usually has helped decide the conference champion, and is always the type of game, because of the importance, and strong rivalry, that helps prepare us for the upcoming postseason and state tournament," offered Taylor.
"I haven't had much luck with Bob's teams in my first five years, but that's because he always has a very good ballclub, and on Saturday, I fully expect the same thing from them."
Saint Viator plays the game after a long spring break lay-off, so its 2-0 victory over Marist on Thursday provided a needed tune-up.
"We obviously wanted to get a competitive match in before getting back into the swing of things, especially with Benet up next," said Taylor.
Taylor has blended several quality newcomers into the mix along with a terrific core of returning players, many of whom have shown the way for their first-year teammates. That has been a pleasure to watch for the longtime coach.
"Last year we had to move (Kayne) Stanely into the midfield to give us some physical play and stability, so it's been nice to move her to the backline where she is best fitted to play, and to give us our most valuable asset thus far - the defense."
Taylor points to the quartet of Maggie Leazer, Maureen McGrath, Emma Henry and Stanley as the reason for the Lions early success, as well as the addition of freshmen keeper, Anna Johnston, who despite her rookie status, provides plenty of composure, and solid tactical and technical sense in the key position.
"That group along the back, including Anna in goal, have been very stingy so far, and that's something we'll be looking to continue with Benet on Saturday," Taylor said.
This key ESCC battle will be one of the first major challenges of the season for both of the unbeaten clubs.
The Redwings have outscored the competition 27-4 thus far, led by forward, Kerry Abello, whose return from club soccer has given her team the cold-hearted finisher every side dreams of.
The sophomore has netted 12 thus far, while mates Ellie Bumpus (4 goals, 5 assists) and Loretta Elder (3 goals) have given Abello support in the scoring column.
Senior Emma Hlavin has been marvelous ever since stepping between the sticks for Gros. That included a memorable effort back in 2013, when the (then) sophomore roamed her box with confidence and ease and made several important stops during an overtime victory to help keep the Redwings ESCC title hopes alive. They were dashed several hours later when Carmel defeated Fenwick to clinch the ESCC crown.
"Emma has been so solid in the back for us all year long, while the play of our senior, Sophia Elbchiri, along with Ellie (Bumpus) and Abello have been equally outstanding thus far," said Gros.
"Playing this game late in the season means you're dealing with nagging injuries and such (while) early in the season, like this weekend means your still in the development stage of your team. Pick your poison.
"We'll be a little shorthanded against (Viator) due to some prior personal (family) commitments on behalf of a couple of girls, but we know Mike's team will be well prepared, and highly motivated as usual, and we'll be ready for that for sure."
After another week of league play, the Redwings will embark on their toughest stretch of the season, when they open round-robin play in the prestigious Naperville Invite against defending Class 3A champion New Trier and Class 2A power Boylan at Barrington High School in the last week of April.