Lincoln-Way West hopes for
springboard to playoffs against Lockport
By Matt Le Cren
Lincoln-Way West beat Lockport for the first time last year and used that victory as a springboard for a run to its first sectional final appearance.
The Warriors are hoping Thursday’s road game with Lockport will give them similar momentum for the 2015 playoffs, which begin next week.
But victory won’t be easy -- both teams are on a roll. Lincoln-Way West (12-7) has gone 6-1-1 in its last eight games, while Lockport (13-5-2) has won 10-of-its-last-12 matches, nine by shutout.
“Traditionally we have a history of playing close games with Lockport,” Lincoln-Way West coach Jeff Theiss said. “They’re an excellent team. [Lockport coach] Todd [Elkei] does a great job with them. We expect another close one tomorrow.”
A win over the Class 3A Porters would be a huge feather in the cap of the Warriors, who have emerged as one of the better Class 2A teams in the south suburbs in recent years. They’ve won two regional titles in the past three years and are the No. 1 seed at their own 2015 regional.
“We don’t want think about the playoffs yet,” Theiss said. “We want to maintain the momentum we’ve established.”
The Warriors have built that momentum via a diversified attack and good teamwork in the back. Junior Brianna Heyer has contributed all over the field but primarily as a midfielder, leads the team in scoring with 16 goals, many of which have come off restarts, while senior forward Natalie Tannura has 13 goals and is beginning to heat up at just the right time.
“She’s become very confident,” Theiss said of Tannura, who scored two goals in Tuesday’s 6-0 win over Tinley Park and had a goal and an assist in a 2-0 defeat of Lincoln-Way North. “She’s really come on lately, scoring big goals in big games.”
But opponents haven’t been able to key on one person. Sophomore Madison Mikalauski has tallied nine goals, and senior Meghann Lange has six scores.
“It’s been a very balanced approach,” Theiss said. “Everyone has stepped up.
“We are a very unique team. If we defend well I think we’re confident we can win it.”
The Warriors have surrendered 23 goals for a respectable 1.21 goals-against average, but 10 of those goals came in losses to Class 3A opponents Wheaton Warrenville South and Lincoln-Way Central.
Brittany Stover and Teagan Lyde have keyed the back line in front of senior goalkeeper Audrey Pearson. The performance of the fullbacks and midfielders will be key against the Porters.
“Our key is to maintain balance,” Theiss said. “I know they’re going to be a good ball control team. We counterattack well and hopefully we can do that and finish some pportunities.”
Overall, Lockport has struggled offensively, but have succeeded with a tough defense. The Porters have scored two-or-fewer goals in 16-of-its-20 games but are coming off a 5-0 win over Reavis on Saturday.
springboard to playoffs against Lockport
By Matt Le Cren
Lincoln-Way West beat Lockport for the first time last year and used that victory as a springboard for a run to its first sectional final appearance.
The Warriors are hoping Thursday’s road game with Lockport will give them similar momentum for the 2015 playoffs, which begin next week.
But victory won’t be easy -- both teams are on a roll. Lincoln-Way West (12-7) has gone 6-1-1 in its last eight games, while Lockport (13-5-2) has won 10-of-its-last-12 matches, nine by shutout.
“Traditionally we have a history of playing close games with Lockport,” Lincoln-Way West coach Jeff Theiss said. “They’re an excellent team. [Lockport coach] Todd [Elkei] does a great job with them. We expect another close one tomorrow.”
A win over the Class 3A Porters would be a huge feather in the cap of the Warriors, who have emerged as one of the better Class 2A teams in the south suburbs in recent years. They’ve won two regional titles in the past three years and are the No. 1 seed at their own 2015 regional.
“We don’t want think about the playoffs yet,” Theiss said. “We want to maintain the momentum we’ve established.”
The Warriors have built that momentum via a diversified attack and good teamwork in the back. Junior Brianna Heyer has contributed all over the field but primarily as a midfielder, leads the team in scoring with 16 goals, many of which have come off restarts, while senior forward Natalie Tannura has 13 goals and is beginning to heat up at just the right time.
“She’s become very confident,” Theiss said of Tannura, who scored two goals in Tuesday’s 6-0 win over Tinley Park and had a goal and an assist in a 2-0 defeat of Lincoln-Way North. “She’s really come on lately, scoring big goals in big games.”
But opponents haven’t been able to key on one person. Sophomore Madison Mikalauski has tallied nine goals, and senior Meghann Lange has six scores.
“It’s been a very balanced approach,” Theiss said. “Everyone has stepped up.
“We are a very unique team. If we defend well I think we’re confident we can win it.”
The Warriors have surrendered 23 goals for a respectable 1.21 goals-against average, but 10 of those goals came in losses to Class 3A opponents Wheaton Warrenville South and Lincoln-Way Central.
Brittany Stover and Teagan Lyde have keyed the back line in front of senior goalkeeper Audrey Pearson. The performance of the fullbacks and midfielders will be key against the Porters.
“Our key is to maintain balance,” Theiss said. “I know they’re going to be a good ball control team. We counterattack well and hopefully we can do that and finish some pportunities.”
Overall, Lockport has struggled offensively, but have succeeded with a tough defense. The Porters have scored two-or-fewer goals in 16-of-its-20 games but are coming off a 5-0 win over Reavis on Saturday.