STATE BOUND: Girls Soccer Advances to IHSA State Finals 

Timothy girls soccer secured its second consecutive trip to the IHSA State Finals with an exciting 2-1 comeback victory over Lisle on Monday night at Dominican University. With the win, the Trojans improved to 15-4 on the season and claimed back-to-back Super-Sectional championships.

The game started with an early challenge as Lisle converted off a scrum following a free kick just five minutes into the match. Undeterred, the Trojans responded with poise and determination, controlling possession and creating chances throughout the first half. Their efforts paid off in the 27th minute when Mia Schilf found freshman standout Kylee Zielke on the wing. Zielke continued her torrid postseason run, beating a defender and finishing to the far post to level the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.

A key adjustment at the break helped spark the second-half surge. Brooke Hargrove provided valuable minutes off the bench, allowing Lydia Kwak to move forward into the striker position. The move proved decisive in the 49th minute when Kwak followed up a powerful shot from Mackenzie Laslo and buried the rebound, giving Timothy a lead it would not surrender.

From there, the Trojan defense stood tall. The backline of Kate Gagliano, Alivia DeBoer, Mikaela Bullard, Kwak, and Hargrove, along with goalkeeper Emily White, helped preserve the advantage through a tense final stretch. The group also drew inspiration from injured star defender Avery Croff, who, despite being sidelined for the season, continued to encourage and direct her teammates from the bench until she went hoarse.

While the score remained close, Timothy controlled much of the action, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Ella Becvar and Mia Schilf, who hit the crossbar and side post with shots, orchestrated play in the midfield, while Annika Lemkuil and Lucy Wilgenburg helped keep the ball moving and maintain pressure throughout the match.

The victory was another example of the resilience and perseverance this team has displayed all season. Falling behind early only strengthened the Trojans’ resolve as they once again found a way to rise to the occasion.

Monday’s win followed an impressive 4-1 sectional championship victory over Francis Parker in front of a packed and energetic home crowd. Zielke scored twice, while Laslo and Wilgenburg each added a goal. Schilf contributed two assists, and Becvar added another.

Now 15-4 on the season, the Trojans return to North Central College for the State Semifinals, where they will face the top-ranked team in Class 1A, Father McGivney, on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

No matter what comes next, this group has already accomplished something special. Their growth, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the season have been remarkable, and I could not be more proud of how they have grown as a team.