Season preview: Lake Park
By Bobby Narang
Lake Park coach Sean Crosby is encouraged by several factors for the 2022 season.
The Lancers, who are coming off a 1-13-4 season, have increased their numbers thanks to an influx of players. That will help combat fatigue later in the season.
New blood will add more depth, which Crosby anticipates will aid the Lancers build toward a strong finish.
“I’m hoping for a lot of learning out of this team,” Crosby said. “They’re young, and there are a lot of new faces. We have a handful of freshmen getting significant minutes for us, and they’re learning.
“Some of our sophomores are playing, but we also have some first-year varsity players, including freshmen and new players. Our returning starters give us a good foundation to build off and minimize chances in the defensive end. We have a lot of returnees in the back. We’re excited to have them back -- great attitudes, hustlers and workhorses.
“They have a good sense of communication and are growing. Talent-wise, we’re not always even with some of our opponents, but our hustle and ability to communicate and move the ball as quickly as we can will get us in better spots.
“It was a learning curve the first ... matches. It will take time. We showed progress.”
The Lancers’ started the season with losses in the Elk Grove Invitational. After an 8-0 thumping against Maine South on opening day March 14, they closed the gap with a 4-0 loss to Downers Grove North on March 16. They closed the event with a 2-0 loss to the host school on March 17.
“We have a lot of things to try to improve,” Crosby said. “We’re looking to learn as quickly as we can at the start of the season with the new faces we have and build off the success they’ve shown on the field.
“They’ve shown they belong on the soccer field. Now it’s about making that connection and have all of them come together and play our best soccer. The conference is very challenging for us. We have a very deep conference.”
Crosby said the development of key returnees Peyton Sarubbi, Peyton Olinski, Isabella Witt and Francesca Cali is an essential component. The four players can help the younger players adapt to playing high-level competition on the varsity.
“Isabella is a captain, and she communicates well and leads the team,” Crosby said. “Her hustle also stands out.”
The coach pointed to sophomore defender Kira Holiday as a “standout player who’s very physical and aggressive and challenges 50/50 balls.”
Junior defender Maddie Mintrup said she’s ready for the challenge to solidify Lake Park’s backline to register more wins than last season.
“I’m excited for the season,” Mintrup said. “We have a lot of new girls out this year. I see a lot of potential for our team. I think we’re going to work really well together.
“I think we all have to always be a good teammate, work together and be selfless.”
A three-sport standout, Mintrup said she’s accustomed to the delicate blend of talent and chemistry meshing together to achieve success.
“I learned a lot last year on the varsity, mainly how to be a leader out on the field, connect passes, always look for others and try and pick teammates up when things aren’t going so well,” she said.
Junior midfielder Olinski is a new face on the roster, but her extensive club experience is a positive for a team with five returning starters. Olinski said she’s trying to find her way early in the season, but she’s happy to be playing for the Lancers.
“We have to communicate and be a good second family for each other: support each other; encourage each other on the bench; and have good support from the coaching staff,” she said.
“It feels really good. Playing for your school is nice. I get to talk to my teammates before and after school. It’s really fun. I love my team and coaches. (It’s) way different than club.”
Sarubbi, a junior defender, brings plenty of experience to the backline. The three-year varsity player said the team is focused on coming together to avoid a similar finish like last season.
“Our team has really bonded, which is really big,” she said. “We have pasta parties. That’s a big part that helps the communication and work on the field.
“This year I’m more of a leader, since an I’m an upperclassman. I have to do my role.”
By Bobby Narang
Lake Park coach Sean Crosby is encouraged by several factors for the 2022 season.
The Lancers, who are coming off a 1-13-4 season, have increased their numbers thanks to an influx of players. That will help combat fatigue later in the season.
New blood will add more depth, which Crosby anticipates will aid the Lancers build toward a strong finish.
“I’m hoping for a lot of learning out of this team,” Crosby said. “They’re young, and there are a lot of new faces. We have a handful of freshmen getting significant minutes for us, and they’re learning.
“Some of our sophomores are playing, but we also have some first-year varsity players, including freshmen and new players. Our returning starters give us a good foundation to build off and minimize chances in the defensive end. We have a lot of returnees in the back. We’re excited to have them back -- great attitudes, hustlers and workhorses.
“They have a good sense of communication and are growing. Talent-wise, we’re not always even with some of our opponents, but our hustle and ability to communicate and move the ball as quickly as we can will get us in better spots.
“It was a learning curve the first ... matches. It will take time. We showed progress.”
The Lancers’ started the season with losses in the Elk Grove Invitational. After an 8-0 thumping against Maine South on opening day March 14, they closed the gap with a 4-0 loss to Downers Grove North on March 16. They closed the event with a 2-0 loss to the host school on March 17.
“We have a lot of things to try to improve,” Crosby said. “We’re looking to learn as quickly as we can at the start of the season with the new faces we have and build off the success they’ve shown on the field.
“They’ve shown they belong on the soccer field. Now it’s about making that connection and have all of them come together and play our best soccer. The conference is very challenging for us. We have a very deep conference.”
Crosby said the development of key returnees Peyton Sarubbi, Peyton Olinski, Isabella Witt and Francesca Cali is an essential component. The four players can help the younger players adapt to playing high-level competition on the varsity.
“Isabella is a captain, and she communicates well and leads the team,” Crosby said. “Her hustle also stands out.”
The coach pointed to sophomore defender Kira Holiday as a “standout player who’s very physical and aggressive and challenges 50/50 balls.”
Junior defender Maddie Mintrup said she’s ready for the challenge to solidify Lake Park’s backline to register more wins than last season.
“I’m excited for the season,” Mintrup said. “We have a lot of new girls out this year. I see a lot of potential for our team. I think we’re going to work really well together.
“I think we all have to always be a good teammate, work together and be selfless.”
A three-sport standout, Mintrup said she’s accustomed to the delicate blend of talent and chemistry meshing together to achieve success.
“I learned a lot last year on the varsity, mainly how to be a leader out on the field, connect passes, always look for others and try and pick teammates up when things aren’t going so well,” she said.
Junior midfielder Olinski is a new face on the roster, but her extensive club experience is a positive for a team with five returning starters. Olinski said she’s trying to find her way early in the season, but she’s happy to be playing for the Lancers.
“We have to communicate and be a good second family for each other: support each other; encourage each other on the bench; and have good support from the coaching staff,” she said.
“It feels really good. Playing for your school is nice. I get to talk to my teammates before and after school. It’s really fun. I love my team and coaches. (It’s) way different than club.”
Sarubbi, a junior defender, brings plenty of experience to the backline. The three-year varsity player said the team is focused on coming together to avoid a similar finish like last season.
“Our team has really bonded, which is really big,” she said. “We have pasta parties. That’s a big part that helps the communication and work on the field.
“This year I’m more of a leader, since an I’m an upperclassman. I have to do my role.”