Previewing the IHSA Super-Sectionals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some big matchups are set to happen Tuesday night throughout Illinois with trips to the IHSA State Series on the line. Here's a preview of three of my favorite matchups today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Naperville Central vs St. Charles North</strong> <strong>(3A)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7-seed Naperville Central is playing as good as anyone in the state. Led by Lauren Thorne and Bella Brooke up top, the Redhawks are riding a nine-game unbeaten streak with wins over Metea Valley (twice), Naperville North, and Plainfield North. But the North Stars are also on a hot streak with Laney Stark making big plays. If Central wins, they'll play the state series near their own backyard. But I think North has been too consistent. They beat them 4-2 earlier this year, and I think it will happen again. THE PICK: SCN 2, Naperville Central 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lyons vs New Trier</strong> <strong>(3A)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the most exciting 3A super-sectional will happen at 4pm today. Both teams are deep and well-balanced. Leading Lyons is sophomore F Zibby Michaelson with 13 goals this season. You're also seeing impressive contributions from Josie Pochoki, Izzie Wirtz, and [player_tooltip player_id='22089' first='Caroline' last='Mortonson']. They have the talent to compete with a New Trier squad that always reloads. It will be tight, gritty, and highly competitive. I could see it going to PK's. THE PICK: Lyons 1, New Trier 1 (Lyons 5-3 on PK's)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Triad vs Glenwood (2A)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The previous two 2A champs meet in Triad's super-sectional. Triad is unbeaten in Illinois since March 15 with their only losses coming to O'Fallon and Edwardsville. Sophomore London Lobby leads the way with 13 goals on the season. Another sophomore, GK Payton Hartman has a 0.347 GAA on the year. Twins [player_tooltip player_id='97190' first='Rylann' last='Law'] and [player_tooltip player_id='97139' first='Rowann' last='Law'] catapult Glenwood. The Junior pair is looking to lead Glenwood back to the State Series for the second year in a row. Rowan's game winner in OT brought Glenwood to this point. Given where Triad's at right now, I'm going with the Knights. THE PICK: Triad 1. Glenwood 0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->