Spring Preview: Illinois Teams to Watch (Part 3)

Here’s a third and final look at some of the top programs to watch in Illinois this spring. Several Catholic schools are featured. <strong>Benet </strong> A highly-experienced group returns after an excellent run in 2021. Lewis commit Mariana Pinto is Benet's top offensive returner after scoring 12 goals with 10 assists last year. Most of the defense returns. Junior goalkeeper Shannon Clark returns after posting 10 shutouts as a sophomore. Nora Hanson, [player_tooltip player_id="22080" first="Brinkley" last="Douglas"], [player_tooltip player_id="22199" first="Sadie" last="Sterbenz"], and Anna Thiel will create a strong back line. Rachael Burns (9 goals, 6 assists), Katie Lewellyan (4 goals, 7 assists), and Anna Casmere (8 goals, 7 assists) will lead the midfield. The Redwings are looking for a third consecutive ESCC title and another trip to the 2A state tournament. <strong>St. Ignatius</strong> Catholic League contenders will have a strong group returning. Junior Claire Radecki and senior Shannon Rydz combined for 28 goals last season. All-conference defender Ellie Doherty returns to lead the defense. Look for freshman midfielder [player_tooltip player_id="22191" first="Quinn" last="Urquhart"] and freshman goalkeeper MC Galante to burst onto the scene this season. <strong>Loyola</strong> Only one senior graduated from last year's roster. Washington University commit Grace Elhert scored 18 goals and 13 assists last season and will lead the way. Forward Kaitlyn Kurtz is headed to UW La Crosse and brings tons of experience. Five other all-conference players return in Ellie Bradley, Katie Dibik, Bella Guzman, Eva Patterson, and Molly Sipe. Loyola is part of a loaded 3A sectional. <strong>Naperville North</strong> State title contenders with a strong, balanced group returning. Madison Korosec scored eight goals in the defensive midfield last season. Her twin sister Taylor was a force up top. She used her speed and athleticism to score 18 goals last year. Lucy Iverson, an all-conference center back, will lead the defense. Keeper Abby Haskell recently committed to SIUE.