Previewing the Illinois 2A girls tournament

<strong>Triad (23-1) vs Fenwick (13-6-2): 11 a.m.</strong> Triad is the defending 2A state champion and the lone St. Louis area program still competing. The Knights have also had the best win percentage in Illinois since 2021. It isn’t a surprise they’re still competing. So far, 18 players have scored goals this season. Leading the way is senior Gina Catanzaro with 19 goals on the year. Midfielder Kinlee Lippert is another name to watch who makes terrific plays in the center of the field. She’s played a big role for the Knights. Meanwhile, the defense hasn’t conceded a goal since April 28. Goalkeeper Reagan Chigas had a sensational month of May. On Tuesday, she made four big saves in the Supersectional against Glenwood. Fenwick didn’t have too difficult of a road but have played exceptionally well on both sides of the field to get here. A tight draw with fellow 2A state finalist Deerfield back in April showed their potential. A pair of sisters in senior Kate Henige and sophomore Caroline Henige combine for 31 goals this season. They’ve been the leaders in the Friars attack. Freshman Keira Mullarkey also contributes heavily, with seven goals this season. Meanwhile, the defense is centered around keepers Audrey Henrichs and Leah Hyland, as well as a pair of sister defenders in Abby and Maddie Rogowski. Two key players, Gabbie Wood and [player_tooltip player_id="23503" first="Laney" last="Harshany"], have been sidelined with injuries for Triad. Neither is expected to play this weekend. However, the depth and consistency throughout the Triad roster should give them a strong advantage. THE PICK: Triad 3, Fenwick 0 <strong>Deerfield (22-3-2) vs Benet (21-4): 1:30 p.m.</strong> Deerfield has a mix of bright young superstars and experienced seniors that got them here. Sophomore Emily Fox has been the Warriors leading scorer with 25 goals on the year. She came up big in the Supersectional against Boylan with two goals while trailing on two separate occasions. Senior winger Holly Deutsch has produced 29 assists on the year to lead the team. That number is also one of the highest in Illinois. Riley Schimanski has produced heavily up top with 18 goals and 12 assists. Freshman Ryane Emory has 11 goals. Benet has talent all over the field. Senior leader Mariana Pinto leads Benet with 25 goals and 13 assists this season. She’s headed to Lewis University in the fall and will lead a Redwings team who lost four tight regular-season games so some of the top teams in Chicagoland. Pinto is joined on offense by a rising star in freshman Keira Petrucelli. She’s third on the team in scoring with 12 goals. Katie Lewellyan and Gabe DiMatteo also have double-digit goals this season. On defense, junior [player_tooltip player_id="41725" first="Shannon" last="Clark"] has been one of the best goalkeepers in Illinois this season with a 0.55 GAA. Defenders Nora Hanson and [player_tooltip player_id="22193" first="Reese" last="MacDonald"] have also Meade heavily contributions all season. Benet has been the more consistent team in this matchup and has beaten teams Deerfield has lost to. They’re basically playing this series in their backyard too. THE PICK: Benet 3, Deerfield 1 <strong>State Championship Prediction</strong> BENET 2, TRIAD 1: Originally, I picked Triad to win this game. However, I’m really impressed with the way Benet has been playing lately. Playing super close to home should hopefully give them a tight advantage.