When Sarah DeWolf and Sandburg open up the floodgates, opponents should consider grabbing a life vest. There’s no fighting the tide at that point.
DeWolf, a senior forward, sparked four goals in a seven-minute span Friday night. The Eagles overpowered Shepard with crisp passes and smooth ball control en route to a 7-0 win in the Class 3A Reavis Regional championship game.
“We want to score quick and then be done,” said DeWolf, an Eastern Illinois recruit. “You never know in the playoffs. Any team can come out of nowhere.”
DeWolf hit Maddie Manzke on a pretty pass for a 2-0 lead and then put on the jets and outraced Shepard’s defense. She dribbled about 50 yards before finding the back of the net less than two minutes later.
“I was just feeling that,” said DeWolf, who had three goals and an assist in a playoff-opening victory against Oak Lawn. “We definitely have speed on this team, especially with our outsides. We can work the ball and get up the field quickly.”
Top-seeded Sandburg (17-1-3) awaits fourth-seeded Lincoln-Way East or fifth-seeded Stagg in a sectional semifinal at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. East is the host.
The loss for Shepard (12-13) finished the career of goalkeeper Heather Banis, who was named the South Suburban Red Player of the Year.
Banis did all she could to slow the Eagles’ potent attack with some nice first-half saves, but Sandburg dominated the time of possession and put consistent pressure on goal.
“We’re going to miss (Banis),” Shepard coach Scott Wilkins said. “That’s the best team we’ve faced by far. The way they keep possession of the ball is a big thing, and how physical they are going to the ball. That’s something we need to work on as a group.”
Manzke and sophomore defender Isabella Strolia scored two goals apiece for the Eagles. Samantha Moran and Rachel Maday also got into the scoring column.
More Top Picks Best Blue Light Glasses For Reading In Bed
“I love playing with this team,” Strolia said. “Sometimes it’s challenging when you’re versus a team you can score against, because sometimes we play to their level. That’s not what we want to do. Our goal is to score fast and quick to get that momentum.”
Strolia’s first goal gave Sandburg a 4-0 lead with 15 minutes into play. The Eagles cruised from there.
“In all my years of coaching, I’ve never had a team this cohesive,” Sandburg coach Katie O’Connell said. “They really get along great and it translates to the field. We see it in practice and then we see it on the field.”
Sandburg played without stars Kylie Hase (Purdue) and Paige Pappanastos (Ohio), who were both nursing injuries but are expected to return next week.
Andrew 4, Lincoln-Way Central 1: Nicole Novak and Brooke Zidek scored goals for host Andrew (20-2-1) in the Class 3A regional final.
Tinley Park 6, Marian Catholic 1: Stephanie Nichols scored twice for Tinley (21-3-1) in the 2A Rich East Regional championship.
Baseball
Joliet Catholic 7, Minooka 1: George Manikas pitched a five-hitter for JCA (18-13).
Lemont 4, Marist 3: Nick Wisz hit a two-run double to spark Lemont (23-8) in the Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament.
Lincoln-Way Central 3, Bremen 1: Vinny Baez hit a two-run homer to power Central (17-16).
Lincoln-Way Central 8, Manteno 1: Chad Tucker had a two-run double and three RBIs for Central in its first game.
Lincoln-Way West 1, Metamora 0: Connor Lowman struck out nine in throwing a two-hitter for West (22-7) in the Metamora Tournament.
Marian Catholic 1, Providence 0: Alex Gutter had an RBI single and Matt Mulhearn pitched a three-hitter to lead Marian (23-10) in the Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament.
Marmion 7, Mount Carmel 5: Alek Thomas hit a two-run triple to aid Mount Carmel (23-10) in the Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament.
St. Laurence 7, Lockport 6: Jake Diaz’s two-run triple capped a four-run seventh for St. Laurence (25-8) in the Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament.
St. Rita 4, Andrean (Ind.) 0: Steve Washilewski scattered five hits and Matt Verdun scored two runs to key St. Rita (26-8) in the Do It Stevie’s Way Tournament.
Sandburg 10, Andrew 5: Evan Tenuta had a three-run double for Sandburg (23-5).
Softball
Chicago Christian 11, Elmwood Park 1: Bethany Regnerus threw a one-hitter to pace Chicago Christian (19-14, 9-3 MSC East).
Downers Grove South 5, Lincoln-Way West 2: Anna Perry hit a solo homer for West (22-8).
Joliet Catholic 7, Herscher 4: Reilly Jo Swanson went 4-for-4 with two runs for JCA (19-7).
Oak Lawn 7, Shepard 1: Winning pitcher Marisa Loya was 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs in fueling Oak Lawn (19-11, 14-5 SSC Red).
Providence 12, Andrew 11: Lex Leighton had three RBIs, including the game-winning single in the seventh, to boost Providence (27-5) in the championship of its own tournament.
Boys Track
Class 3A Downers Grove North Sectional: Chris Torpy won the 800-meter run (1:54.36) and his brother, Sean, prevailed in the 1,600 (4:12.65) to lead champion Sandburg (98). Derrius Rodgers posted victories in the 100 (10.73) and 200 (21.47) for second-place Lockport (88).
More Top Picks Best Push Lawn Sweepers
Logan Malloy is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown. Freelance writer Josh Krockey contributed to this story.