Wheaton A. vs. Benet:
supersectional preview?
By Steve Nemeth
Here's a late-season, one-question pop quiz.
Neither Wheaton Academy coach Jeff Brooke or Benet boss Gerard Oconer will consider Monday’s 4:30 p.m. match as anything other than: a) this season’s next game; b) a quality opponent, or c) a good way to prepare for the postseason; d) all of the above.
Answer: D.
The players on both sides respect their opponent, but certainly don’t fear them and also figure whatever has happened in previous years is the past. Everyone insists it’s just the next game on the schedule and the next one they wish to add to the win column.
But it could be a supersectional preview.
At the very least, it could be a confidence booster between somewhat mirror-image programs.
Both programs are perennial title contenders in their respective conferences. Whether the division was labeled West or now Blue, Wheaton Academy has been tops in the Metro Suburban Conference since 2015 while the East Suburban Catholic Conference title picture has regularly included Benet’s Redwings ---second to Carmel in 2017, first in 2016, tied for second in 2015.
Both are private schools: Wheaton Academy is an evangelical Christian institution; and Benet has a Catholic-affiliated curriculum. Both have roots at Class A from the original two-class days, but have experienced level changes based on either enrollment or the IHSA success factor.
Benet advanced to Class A quarterfinals in 2003 and 2005, had notable success in 2012 in Class AA which bumped the Redwings up Class 3A and a string of match-ups against powerhouses. In 2015 it was losing a regional finale to eventual runner-up Neuqua Valley; in 2016 it was losing a regional title 1-0 to a Napervllle North crew that was derailed by third-place Glenbard East.
Wheaton’s history includes a Class AA sectional final loss to rival St. Francis that sent them back down to Class A for 2016 which led to a state championship and re-elevation back to Class AA for 2017. That crew just missed an encore state title in a 1-0 championship loss to Triad. Should Brooke’s girls program reach this year’s Class AA finals, Wheaton Academy would get bumped to Class 3A. Ironically that would match the Wheaton Academy boys program’s fate from this past fall under Brooke’s direction.
Benet is the top seed among the 17 schools assigned to the Hinsdale South Sectional. Wheaton Academy is no. 1 at the 17-squad Fenwick Sectional. And yes those paths intersect at the Hinsdale South Supersectional.
However, as both coaches prefer, the focus is on the present and Monday’s afternoon contest. Benet is the host location. The same was true last year before drenching rains led to a shift to Wheaton Academy's turf field where the Redwings wore their home whites and the Warriors dressed as the visitors.
With the exception of Benet's Katie Geisor, who assisted on the fourth goal, and keeper Anna Keefe -- who tallied eight clean sheets on her own and shared a regional-opening shutout with then seldom-seen back-up Eva Frantzen -- all four goal scorers and two more assist earners are back wanting to continue their dominance over Wheaton Academy. Current seniors also experienced 1-0 Benet wins in 2016 and 2015.
Wheaton Academy is keeping a forward gaze.
“We don’t dwell on the past, and obviously we’ve seen their success this year and know they’re a great side,” Wheaton Academy junior mid Sophie Lindquist said. “For us this is another quality foe and a chance to show what we can do against tough opponents and the level we want to play at as a program.”
“We always have good games. So our job is to simply come out strong, keep our composure and play well,” senior Erin Teevans added.
“First and foremost it’s another game with which to get ready for the playoffs, but it’s also a chance to continue the momentum from our last two games,” insisted Benet coach Gerard Oconer before also admitting to the disappointment of a tie with Saint Viator in their last ESCC game. “We needed to get some confidence back and beating Lyons (1-0 Saturday) -- after having lost to them (6-1) last year -- was a great start. Then following that with the (4-0) victory over Sandburg meant we finished the Naperville Invite with three-straight wins.”
Wheaton Academy, however, is looking for a resurgence from going 0-1-2 in its own tournament. After a loss to ranked no. 22 Plainfield North, the latter two matches were a 1-1 draw with Downers Grove North and 0-0 versus rival Wheaton North.
“We’re having a good season and with a younger roster, gaining experience every time out is a plus,” Brooke said before allowing that the Warriors at least remember last season. “They took it to us, got a couple early goals and we had a hard time getting going, so this is a chance to erase that feeling.”
Wheaton Academy scoring leader Erin Teevans was equally polite and politically correct.
“We prefer to play high-level teams, and Benet is another of them. That type of challenge is part of the tradition of how we prepare for the postseason,” Teevans said and then added. “We do remember last year, and its not about regret. It’s motivation to come out and play better.”
Statistically the mirror effect is also in place. Both teams are yielding less than a goal per match and have shown explosiveness on offense. Benet’s 11 goals allowed in 15 matches is a 0.73 yield compared to the Redwings’ 2.67 goals scored per match. Wheaton has allowed 0.92 goals while scoring 2.77.
“Based on our graduation losses, the biggest question going into this year was on defense, but we’ve proven to be tough to score on,” Brooke said. “Our center backs Lizzy (Swoboda) and Emma (Goebel), and the way in which Marta (Oster) has grown stronger in goal, is key to our success defensively while the offense has a great player and leader in Erin (Teevans).”
Teevans believes the Warriors’ strength exists from end line to end line.
“The strong play we’re getting from our goalie and backline and the way the midfield links things to our forward line is a combination that creates a lot of chemistry,” Teevans explained. “When you have all three areas working together, it leads to success, and it’s produced the kind of unity I think is unique.”
No surprise Lindquist used the same word in her analysis.
“The way we play for each other really does seem unique,” Lindquist said. “I’d sum it up by saying our strength is good chemistry, good communication, and a commitment to play for each other in order to glorify Christ.”
After an early-season 1-0 loss to Deerfield, Benet strung together six victories. Then, while missing four starters, they had the misfortune to be scheduled against Neuqua Valley in the group play opener of the Naperville Invitational. The Wildcats managed to do what no other opponent has, namely score more than a goal against the Redwings in a 7-0 runaway. As far as Benet’s 12 triumphs, nine featured clean sheets.
“Without a doubt, our defense has been stellar,” Oconer stated. “Not only did seven of the 11 goals given up come in that one game, the four we gave up in the first half equaled as much as we yielded for the whole season.”
“We take pride in those shutouts,” Mary Kate Hansen said. “We’ve all taken it upon ourselves to keep the ball out of our net. There is no such thing as allowing even a ‘pretty goal.’ Our attitude is if you can’t score, you can’t beat us. Maybe the first couple games (goalie Eva) Frantzen needed to gain some confidence, but now we’re all on the same page thanks to simply good communication.”
“Having seen limited time a year ago, Eva has become a force in goal. And she works so well with a backline that essentially involves rotating up to seven people,” Oconer noted.
However, Oconer insisted there was one additional key individual beyond Clare Bumpus, Kate Flynn, Lauren Fischer, Mary Kate Hansen, sisters Danielle and Brooke Pullen, plus Grace Chalkey. The Benet coach was talking about assistant Robert Tomecek.
“Although he’s been with the staff, having now graduated from college, he’s full-time this season, and the way he’s helped organize our defense is crucial,” Oconer said. “I felt we had the individual talent, but he’s the one who has really helped us fit all the pieces together.”
Of course Oconer was able to virtually name the rest of his roster on offense considering Benet boasts seven players who can claim a game-winning goal and have contributed from eight to 20 points.
‘Seriously what makes us challenging for other teams to defend is that anybody from the midfield on to up-top is capable of scoring,” Oconer said.
Erin Flynn and Mia Tommasone both have six goals while Abby Casmere and Kayla Brannigan have added five. Flynn tops the assist list with eight for her team-best 20 points.
“We have a combination of experience and hunger on offense. The young players thankfully came into the program wanting to work hard,” Flynn said. “At this point, I’m pretty sure people can’t tell who the new ones are based on how well our offense plays.”
From her back-line vantage point, Hansen provided one final assessment: “Teamwork is the beauty of our sport, having 22 girls work as one,” Hansen said. “You have to be selfless, and that’s one thing I think we have done very well all season.”
supersectional preview?
By Steve Nemeth
Here's a late-season, one-question pop quiz.
Neither Wheaton Academy coach Jeff Brooke or Benet boss Gerard Oconer will consider Monday’s 4:30 p.m. match as anything other than: a) this season’s next game; b) a quality opponent, or c) a good way to prepare for the postseason; d) all of the above.
Answer: D.
The players on both sides respect their opponent, but certainly don’t fear them and also figure whatever has happened in previous years is the past. Everyone insists it’s just the next game on the schedule and the next one they wish to add to the win column.
But it could be a supersectional preview.
At the very least, it could be a confidence booster between somewhat mirror-image programs.
Both programs are perennial title contenders in their respective conferences. Whether the division was labeled West or now Blue, Wheaton Academy has been tops in the Metro Suburban Conference since 2015 while the East Suburban Catholic Conference title picture has regularly included Benet’s Redwings ---second to Carmel in 2017, first in 2016, tied for second in 2015.
Both are private schools: Wheaton Academy is an evangelical Christian institution; and Benet has a Catholic-affiliated curriculum. Both have roots at Class A from the original two-class days, but have experienced level changes based on either enrollment or the IHSA success factor.
Benet advanced to Class A quarterfinals in 2003 and 2005, had notable success in 2012 in Class AA which bumped the Redwings up Class 3A and a string of match-ups against powerhouses. In 2015 it was losing a regional finale to eventual runner-up Neuqua Valley; in 2016 it was losing a regional title 1-0 to a Napervllle North crew that was derailed by third-place Glenbard East.
Wheaton’s history includes a Class AA sectional final loss to rival St. Francis that sent them back down to Class A for 2016 which led to a state championship and re-elevation back to Class AA for 2017. That crew just missed an encore state title in a 1-0 championship loss to Triad. Should Brooke’s girls program reach this year’s Class AA finals, Wheaton Academy would get bumped to Class 3A. Ironically that would match the Wheaton Academy boys program’s fate from this past fall under Brooke’s direction.
Benet is the top seed among the 17 schools assigned to the Hinsdale South Sectional. Wheaton Academy is no. 1 at the 17-squad Fenwick Sectional. And yes those paths intersect at the Hinsdale South Supersectional.
However, as both coaches prefer, the focus is on the present and Monday’s afternoon contest. Benet is the host location. The same was true last year before drenching rains led to a shift to Wheaton Academy's turf field where the Redwings wore their home whites and the Warriors dressed as the visitors.
With the exception of Benet's Katie Geisor, who assisted on the fourth goal, and keeper Anna Keefe -- who tallied eight clean sheets on her own and shared a regional-opening shutout with then seldom-seen back-up Eva Frantzen -- all four goal scorers and two more assist earners are back wanting to continue their dominance over Wheaton Academy. Current seniors also experienced 1-0 Benet wins in 2016 and 2015.
Wheaton Academy is keeping a forward gaze.
“We don’t dwell on the past, and obviously we’ve seen their success this year and know they’re a great side,” Wheaton Academy junior mid Sophie Lindquist said. “For us this is another quality foe and a chance to show what we can do against tough opponents and the level we want to play at as a program.”
“We always have good games. So our job is to simply come out strong, keep our composure and play well,” senior Erin Teevans added.
“First and foremost it’s another game with which to get ready for the playoffs, but it’s also a chance to continue the momentum from our last two games,” insisted Benet coach Gerard Oconer before also admitting to the disappointment of a tie with Saint Viator in their last ESCC game. “We needed to get some confidence back and beating Lyons (1-0 Saturday) -- after having lost to them (6-1) last year -- was a great start. Then following that with the (4-0) victory over Sandburg meant we finished the Naperville Invite with three-straight wins.”
Wheaton Academy, however, is looking for a resurgence from going 0-1-2 in its own tournament. After a loss to ranked no. 22 Plainfield North, the latter two matches were a 1-1 draw with Downers Grove North and 0-0 versus rival Wheaton North.
“We’re having a good season and with a younger roster, gaining experience every time out is a plus,” Brooke said before allowing that the Warriors at least remember last season. “They took it to us, got a couple early goals and we had a hard time getting going, so this is a chance to erase that feeling.”
Wheaton Academy scoring leader Erin Teevans was equally polite and politically correct.
“We prefer to play high-level teams, and Benet is another of them. That type of challenge is part of the tradition of how we prepare for the postseason,” Teevans said and then added. “We do remember last year, and its not about regret. It’s motivation to come out and play better.”
Statistically the mirror effect is also in place. Both teams are yielding less than a goal per match and have shown explosiveness on offense. Benet’s 11 goals allowed in 15 matches is a 0.73 yield compared to the Redwings’ 2.67 goals scored per match. Wheaton has allowed 0.92 goals while scoring 2.77.
“Based on our graduation losses, the biggest question going into this year was on defense, but we’ve proven to be tough to score on,” Brooke said. “Our center backs Lizzy (Swoboda) and Emma (Goebel), and the way in which Marta (Oster) has grown stronger in goal, is key to our success defensively while the offense has a great player and leader in Erin (Teevans).”
Teevans believes the Warriors’ strength exists from end line to end line.
“The strong play we’re getting from our goalie and backline and the way the midfield links things to our forward line is a combination that creates a lot of chemistry,” Teevans explained. “When you have all three areas working together, it leads to success, and it’s produced the kind of unity I think is unique.”
No surprise Lindquist used the same word in her analysis.
“The way we play for each other really does seem unique,” Lindquist said. “I’d sum it up by saying our strength is good chemistry, good communication, and a commitment to play for each other in order to glorify Christ.”
After an early-season 1-0 loss to Deerfield, Benet strung together six victories. Then, while missing four starters, they had the misfortune to be scheduled against Neuqua Valley in the group play opener of the Naperville Invitational. The Wildcats managed to do what no other opponent has, namely score more than a goal against the Redwings in a 7-0 runaway. As far as Benet’s 12 triumphs, nine featured clean sheets.
“Without a doubt, our defense has been stellar,” Oconer stated. “Not only did seven of the 11 goals given up come in that one game, the four we gave up in the first half equaled as much as we yielded for the whole season.”
“We take pride in those shutouts,” Mary Kate Hansen said. “We’ve all taken it upon ourselves to keep the ball out of our net. There is no such thing as allowing even a ‘pretty goal.’ Our attitude is if you can’t score, you can’t beat us. Maybe the first couple games (goalie Eva) Frantzen needed to gain some confidence, but now we’re all on the same page thanks to simply good communication.”
“Having seen limited time a year ago, Eva has become a force in goal. And she works so well with a backline that essentially involves rotating up to seven people,” Oconer noted.
However, Oconer insisted there was one additional key individual beyond Clare Bumpus, Kate Flynn, Lauren Fischer, Mary Kate Hansen, sisters Danielle and Brooke Pullen, plus Grace Chalkey. The Benet coach was talking about assistant Robert Tomecek.
“Although he’s been with the staff, having now graduated from college, he’s full-time this season, and the way he’s helped organize our defense is crucial,” Oconer said. “I felt we had the individual talent, but he’s the one who has really helped us fit all the pieces together.”
Of course Oconer was able to virtually name the rest of his roster on offense considering Benet boasts seven players who can claim a game-winning goal and have contributed from eight to 20 points.
‘Seriously what makes us challenging for other teams to defend is that anybody from the midfield on to up-top is capable of scoring,” Oconer said.
Erin Flynn and Mia Tommasone both have six goals while Abby Casmere and Kayla Brannigan have added five. Flynn tops the assist list with eight for her team-best 20 points.
“We have a combination of experience and hunger on offense. The young players thankfully came into the program wanting to work hard,” Flynn said. “At this point, I’m pretty sure people can’t tell who the new ones are based on how well our offense plays.”
From her back-line vantage point, Hansen provided one final assessment: “Teamwork is the beauty of our sport, having 22 girls work as one,” Hansen said. “You have to be selfless, and that’s one thing I think we have done very well all season.”