Freshman midfielder Audrey Stredde continues to step into the void for Geneva.
A flood of emotions poured through Stredde when junior midfielder Caroline Madden and junior forward Olivia Rawls suffered injuries, but she knew she had to shake it off.
“We had to fill those spots, and that is the thing about soccer,” Stredde said, knowing Madden and Rawls are both in recovery mode. “Everything is crazy and chaotic at once.
“I think it’s really fun to play with your teammates, have some really good connections and just eventually get those goals.”
Stredde scored two more Tuesday night for the Vikings in a 4-0 DuKane Conference victory over Batavia as part of the annual Tri-Cities Night celebration.
Geneva (12-5, 2-2), which got five saves from junior goalkeeper Jordan Forbes, led 3-0 at halftime. Senior goalkeeper Addison Cooper made six saves for Batavia (6-6-3, 2-2-1).
Junior midfielder Brooke Carlson generated the best scoring chances for the Bulldogs, peppering the Vikings’ net in the second half.
Stredde, meanwhile, has already demonstrated remarkable poise, skill and toughness. She scored the winning shootout goal against Plainfield North in the Plainfield Classic final.
“I like to play relaxed, not going to kick the ball,” she said. “Coming in at first, it was a little frightening to be playing up against much older girls.
“I have also done it in club soccer, and now I have started to figure things out and how I like to play. I want to pass the ball around, and I want to take shots or create corner kicks. I really like connecting and developing possession.”
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Junior midfielder Evyn Schokora assisted on both of Stredde’s goals. Schokora also scored off an assist from senior forward Rilee Hasegawa.
Schokora is taking advantage of her expanded opportunities, underscoring the depth and talent of the Vikings. Her trajectory has mirrored her younger teammate.
She also played varsity as a freshman two years ago, learning quickly about the pace and intensity of the game. She has a particular perspective and feel that relates to Stredde.
“I definitely think that playing with Audrey has also helped me as a player,” Schokora said. “I see a little bit of her in me and how I play. I feel like she is a similar type of player to me and we connect really well out there.
“I usually play in the midfield like Audrey, and I am more get the ball off my foot and play that attacking position. I am looking to shoot and connect with my friends up top.”
Senior Morgan Rudowicz punctuated the victory for Geneva with a goal in the 76th minute.
A former offensive player, Rudowicz shifted to central defender and has become a featured player for a unit that has posted eight shutouts.
Her experience and versatile presence has been a calming influence on a new generational talent like Stredde.
“I love the mix we have of younger and established players,” Rudowicz said. “I like how the younger girls can go ahead and go in for the tackle. Being one of the older players, it is definitely cool to see them step up and go really hard and do their thing.
“Audrey has been an amazing player. She has just come in and scored all of these goals for us.”
Stredde has come of age, giving the Vikings another dangerous, skilled offensive piece in the attack.
“The game makes a big difference when you are playing for everyone,” she said. “The funny thing is, I never really scored a lot before, not even in club. This is the most goals I have ever had in one season.
“It has definitely been a very compelling experience.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.