State preview: Saint Ignatius
By Curt Herron
While there's a lot of familiarity in this year's Class AA semifinal field with three programs who have won state trophies before, there's a new team in the competition that believes that it definitely belongs.
Saint Ignatius coach Caroline Zadina has had a memorable coaching debut by seeing her squad go 15-5-1. The Wolfpack not only advanced to state for the first time since 2008, it will capture its first state trophy in the sport.
The school, on the Near West Side of Chicago, will meet Joliet Catholic (15-1-1) in the first semifinal match at 2:30 at Fremd in Palatine. Saint Viator will play Triad in the other semifinal.
The highlight of the Wolfpack’s season so far came in the sectional finals when they scored a late goal to beat host St. Francis 2-1 and handed the sectional’s top-seeded team its only defeat of the season.
Saint Ignatius has won six in a row, which includes a pair of 2-0 wins over Payton, who they met in the regular-season finale and again at the St. Francis Supersectional.
"We're extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to compete this weekend in state," Zadina said. "It's been a special year that's provided a great perspective on what's truly important in life.
"Beyond talent, the opportunity to share a common goal, support one another and unite as one team, we're a true pack. Special people, special opportunity, special run. Special thanks to our senior leaders and captains for keeping the faith."
Leading the Wolfpack are junior midfielder Shannon Rydz (17 goals), senior midfielders Lauren Tiemann (11 goals, 7 assists) and Adrian Williams (4, 6) and sophomore midfielder Claire Radecki (11, 6).
Williams serves as a team captain along with classmates Kate Abdo and Cameron Shutt and junior Eloise Barnett.
During its current six-match win streak, Saint Ignatius has recorded four shutouts and only allowed two goals, one of which was on a rebound after a PK in the sectional final with St. Francis. Senior keeper Darcy Schoen has made 72 saves, and Saint Ignatius has recorded 12 shutouts.
By Curt Herron
While there's a lot of familiarity in this year's Class AA semifinal field with three programs who have won state trophies before, there's a new team in the competition that believes that it definitely belongs.
Saint Ignatius coach Caroline Zadina has had a memorable coaching debut by seeing her squad go 15-5-1. The Wolfpack not only advanced to state for the first time since 2008, it will capture its first state trophy in the sport.
The school, on the Near West Side of Chicago, will meet Joliet Catholic (15-1-1) in the first semifinal match at 2:30 at Fremd in Palatine. Saint Viator will play Triad in the other semifinal.
The highlight of the Wolfpack’s season so far came in the sectional finals when they scored a late goal to beat host St. Francis 2-1 and handed the sectional’s top-seeded team its only defeat of the season.
Saint Ignatius has won six in a row, which includes a pair of 2-0 wins over Payton, who they met in the regular-season finale and again at the St. Francis Supersectional.
"We're extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to compete this weekend in state," Zadina said. "It's been a special year that's provided a great perspective on what's truly important in life.
"Beyond talent, the opportunity to share a common goal, support one another and unite as one team, we're a true pack. Special people, special opportunity, special run. Special thanks to our senior leaders and captains for keeping the faith."
Leading the Wolfpack are junior midfielder Shannon Rydz (17 goals), senior midfielders Lauren Tiemann (11 goals, 7 assists) and Adrian Williams (4, 6) and sophomore midfielder Claire Radecki (11, 6).
Williams serves as a team captain along with classmates Kate Abdo and Cameron Shutt and junior Eloise Barnett.
During its current six-match win streak, Saint Ignatius has recorded four shutouts and only allowed two goals, one of which was on a rebound after a PK in the sectional final with St. Francis. Senior keeper Darcy Schoen has made 72 saves, and Saint Ignatius has recorded 12 shutouts.