A star since her freshman season, senior forward Megan Hutchinson has put on plenty of memorable performances for Lincoln-Way Central on her home field.
Nothing compares to what she did on senior night, though.
Hutchinson, a Purdue recruit, scored four goals Thursday night as the Knights rolled to a 5-0 SouthWest Suburban Red win over Andrew in New Lenox.
“Doing this on senior night, I never expected it,” Hutchinson said. “I think the only reason I’m not crying so much is because I know we’re going to have more games here.
“But thinking back about all the work I’ve put in since my freshman year to get to this night, and then to score four goals against a really good team like Andrew, it’s amazing.”
The victory put Lincoln-Way Central (9-1-2, 5-0) in firm command in the SWSC Red standings with three games to go. The Knights can clinch the title outright with a win Saturday against Lincoln-Way West.
It has been a bit of a roller-coaster season for Hutchinson, who scored six goals in the first three games and then was held scoreless for five straight before heating up for 10 goals over the last four games.
“When I scored against (Lincoln-Way) West, that was the first one since my little scoring slump and that was the best thing ever,” Hutchinson said of her overtime goal on May 11. “I needed that, because once I get one, it’s like second nature to me.”
Hutchinson put Andrew (8-6, 4-3) in an early hole when she converted a penalty kick in the ninth minute. That was set up when a dangerous flip throw-in from Grace Grundhofer led to a handball call in the box.
“I’ve had that since I was probably 7 years old,” Grundhofer said of the flip throw-in. “In practice, we work on some formations and set plays up to be ready to use those.”
Hutchinson drew another penalty kick in the 23rd minute. This time, her shot was saved by Andrew goalkeeper Katherine Prochnow. Hutchinson, however, corralled the rebound and put it into the net for a 2-0 lead.
“When she saved it, I was surprised because I had confidence I was going to make it,” Hutchinson said. “It wasn’t a very good shot, though. It was too far in the middle.
“Luckily, the rebound came right to me. I can do that one touch and finish any time, so that was one of my easier goals.”
Hutchinson notched the hat trick 33 minutes into the first half, scoring off a long pass from goalkeeper Emma Sauriol. Hutchinson capped her huge day with a goal in the second half, heading in Grundhofer’s corner kick.
“There’s no question Megan’s a talented striker and can be dangerous any time,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Sean Fahey said. “What a great game for her to have as we’re starting to head to the postseason.
“To do it in this matchup against a very good Andrew team is what makes it impressive.”
Emma Vogler also scored for the Knights.
Sauriol and Jenny Farr combined for the shutout, with Farr making five saves. Grundhofer, Maddie Camaioni, Sarah O’Rourke and Megan Gerasch led the back line.
Sam Gountounas had the best scoring chances for Andrew, putting three shots on goal. Prochnow made eight saves.
“We’re starting to find our stride a little bit and I think the girls are riding high,” Fahey said. “We have 10 seniors who got to all play big minutes and they put up a big number against Andrew, which is very, very rare.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.