Illinois Soccer Recap: IHSA Sectionals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a few weeks and a relaxing vacation, I'm finally back on the PrepNet scene. There's some big Super-Sectional games on Tuesday and I'll be covering a handful of contests. But in this article, I'll be sharing some of my top takeaways from regional and sectional action over the past couple weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Third time's a charm for Edwardsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After losing to O'Fallon in their first two matchups, the Tigers needed a penalty shootout to eliminate the defending 3A champions in this years sectional semifinal. Edwardsville has been one of the states biggest surprises this year. Much of their success has come from excellent defense displayed by Sophomore GK [player_tooltip player_id='23441' first='Genny' last='Burroughs']. MO State commit [player_tooltip player_id='23426' first='Ellie' last='Neath'] has been an anchor in the middle. Scoring 16 goals with 13 assists this season. A player that truly makes everyone around her better. After a 5-1 beatdown on Minooka, the Tigers will face Andrew in the 3A Bloomington Super-Sectional </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sophomore Duo Propels Fremd</strong> <strong>to 3A Super-Sectional</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='171121' first='Sami' last='Serpico'] and Forward [player_tooltip player_id='61679' first='Gwen' last='Zimmerman'] have been a powerful 1-2 punch on display for the Vikings this season. Serpico was the hero against Libertyville in the sectional final. Scoring a crucial goal in the opening half which resulted in the PK shootout win. [player_tooltip player_id='61679' first='Gwen' last='Zimmerman'] remains one of the states best 2026 prospects. Her flashy playmaking and awareness up top has been impactful all season. Opposing defenses have played close attention to her in recent weeks. Zimmerman and Serpico combine for 36 assists. Additionally, Senior Midfielder Gemma GIllespie has also been stellar this season. Scoring 10 goals and 2 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can the Fillies finally win it all?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barrington has reached the last two 3A state championships. Only to lose pair of OT heartbreaks under the lights at North Central. Could this be the year it finally happens? Personally, I think the Fillies definitely have a shot. GK [player_tooltip player_id='106812' first='Megan' last='Holland'], and the rest of the back line continue to shine. Failing to concede a goal this postseason. [player_tooltip player_id='33353' first='Piper' last='Lucier'] continues to progress and could make her third state finals appearance before the end of her junior season. Seniors Roos Van Roekel and Sarah Sarnowski bring tons of experience and are dangerous in many places on the field. The Fillies have a date with Fremd in the 3A super-sectional. A team they beat 3-0 earlier this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll be back to preview/recap the 2A and 3A super-sectionals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->