Libertyville’s Jenna Krakowski feels right at home these days.
Or “more established,” as she put it.
The junior midfielder had a goal and three assists in the Wildcats’ season-opening 8-0 win against visiting Lakes on Saturday.
“That was a good way to start the season,” Krakowski said. “We were in a groove, able to make passes, and I was there for my teammates.”
Libertyville had a good start last season, too, but Krakowski was getting acclimated to a new team at the time. Her decision to quit club soccer and play for the Wildcats in the delayed season wasn’t an easy one.
“I was a little nervous at the first practice and tryouts because I only knew some of them,” she recalled. “I definitely had to prove myself, just because of the way that the team is set up and the program is set up. If you prove yourself, you will be able to get playing time. I didn’t start the first few games. I knew I was the underdog.”
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Krakowski said she wanted to play for a team with a unified goal. Her first season with Libertyville certainly filled that requirement. She finished with four goals and six assists as the Wildcats earned the third-place trophy in Class 3A.
“We had an amazing season last year,” she said. “We ended the season on a win. It was a great experience, getting the medals and winning. I’m so glad I joined the program.
“But the expectations are way higher for our team this year. We’re ready to take them on and prove we can be that team.”
Libertyville coach Daniel DePaz said Krakowski is playing with more confidence and is an integral part of the team this season.
“Jenna had quite a bit of playing time last year and is a great kid who works hard,” he said. “She’s a playmaker in the middle of the field. She’s got really good vision, and from last year to this year, she’s really worked on her quickness. She’s the one always with the ball. She has a really accurate kick, does our corner kicks and distributes the ball well.”
Lakes coach Kevin Kullby praised the Wildcats for their strong play in the difficult weather conditions Saturday. Six players scored in addition to Krakowski. Avery Gleason had two goals, and Molly Koch, Audrey Brua, Paige Gleason and Sally Rogers each had one.
“They were exceptional,” Kullby said. “They’re playing a much better game than last year and seemed to be stronger and have a very good midfield and striker. They were just clicking on all cylinders. I was very impressed.”
The Wildcats edged Lakes 1-0 last season.
“Last year they were very impressive but didn’t score,” Kullby said. “This time, they lit up the net. They found their players and took advantage of what the game was giving them.”
The Eagles (0-3) played better in the second half, limiting Libertyville to three goals, but scoring continues to be an issue for them early in the season.
Lily Erwin’s header off a corner kick against Lake Zurich in the opener is the only goal of the season for Lakes, which returned eight starters.
“I still have high hopes because we have a good core of players,” Kullby said. “I think we will still compete for the conference (title). We’re hopeful we can rebound from these losses and make it a good season.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.