Kendall girls earn state soccer playoffs berth

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 October 2018 at 9:53 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall goalie Katherine Pearson stops a shot as Hinsdale’s Ashley Chapman looks for a rebound. The action took place during the Lady Eagles state qualifier victory over the Bobcats this evening at Fillmore.

A lightning quick goal in the first three minutes ignited Kendall to a 2-0 victory over Hinsdale in the Section V Class D girls soccer state qualifier game this evening at Fillmore.

Kendall, which last qualified for the state tournament in 2003, will face Section VI champion North Collins in the Far West Regional at 5 p.m. Saturday at Webster Thomas High School.

The Lady Eagles wasted little time in getting on to the scoreboard as Lizzy Woodams netted her 6th goal of the season just 3:20 into the game.

Kendall’s Brianna Wakefield brings the ball up field as Elizabeth Przybyla defends for Hinsdale.

“We peppered them with shots early so it was just a matter of time before we got one and that one really set the pace of the game for us,” said Kendall Coach Pam Barchet.

Kendall goalie Katherine Pearson, center defender Lizzy Sutphen and their defensive mates did the rest in registering the shutout.

Pearson, who had a total of 14 saves on the evening. made one big save early on a Hinsdale direct kick and then had a busy second half making some 10 saves. Sutphen repeatedly cleared the ball out of the Kendall defensive end helping to set up the Lady Eagles attack.

“Our defense did a fantastic job,” said Barchet. “It was a whole team effort.”

The Lady Eagles, which controlled play for mush of the evening, especially in the first half, finally opened up a little breathing room when Brianna Wakefield scored her 9th goal of the season with 15:16 to go in the second half.

Kendall, which advanced to the qualifier by defeating Fillmore 2-1 for the Class D1 title, improves to 15-5.

Hinsdale, which finishes the season at 15-5, advanced by downing Andover 4-2 for the Class D2 crown.