Junior midfielder Madisyn Kenworthy is not a country girl. A cowboy hat would not be part of her normal attire.
But with Lincoln-Way Central looking to loosen things up after an emotional loss, Kenworthy was ready to yell “yee-haw” as the Knights took the field Saturday night in cowboy hats.
“That’s definitely not my normal style, but it was fun,” Kenworthy said. “Why not lighten the mood? (Friday) night was tough, but (Saturday) morning we got together, we decorated these hats and did some team bonding. We all signed them.
“It was really fun showing up to the stadium with our hats and strutting out onto the field. It really raised everyone’s attitude and positivity.”
Lincoln-Way Central had some fun on the field, too.
Kenworthy scored in the second half as the Knights topped Evanston 2-1 in the Class 3A third-place game at North Central College’s Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville.
Emma Vogler also scored for the Knights (25-2), who earned the program’s sixth state trophy with their best finish since a runner-up showing in 2000 as combined Lincoln-Way.
“It was really important,” Kenworthy said. “It was the seniors’ last game. The bus ride home will be fun now. Everyone will be in a good mood instead of going out with a loss.”
Kenworthy scored her eighth goal of the season with 22:43 to go to give the Knights a 2-0 lead.
She was opportunistic on a scramble off a throw-in from Grace Grundhofer. Reagan Schultz corralled the ball first and fired a shot that was blocked.
Kenworthy and a defender both reached the rebound and struck the ball at nearly the exact same time, with Kenworthy getting more on her touch to direct it into the net.
It was a memorable capper on a breakout season for Kenworthy, who became a valuable part of the Knights’ midfield.
“Last year, I did not score a single goal,” Kenworthy said. “I think my role has become more of an attacking player. Last year, I was more defensive and held back.
“I’ve definitely had more confidence on the ball this year and I think I’ve helped everyone with getting forward.”
Lincoln-Way Central coach Sean Fahey saw Kenworthy make huge strides this season.
“She’s been so big for us,” Fahey said. “She started gaining confidence, started gaining consistency. Her skill set is so big because she has good vision. She’s able to spray the ball all over the field, plus she’s very disciplined with her positioning. She’s always where she needs to be.
“This weekend, she was phenomenal.”
Vogler started the scoring, heading in Grundhofer’s corner kick in the 13th minute.
Alexa Hadley made three saves for the Knights, who shut down Evanston (21-4-1) until Jocelyn Leigh scored with just 2:25 left.
Lincoln-Way Central then ran out the clock to send out its three seniors — Grundhofer, Jenni Andjelic and Sarah Borsellino — with a win.
“It’s just surreal, this whole environment and everything,” Andjelic said. “To finally make it to state as a senior my last year, it really means a lot. It was huge.
“Coming off the loss, we just kept our heads up. Third is still good. We put everything out there and it meant a lot.”
Now, back to those cowboy hats.
“We were supposed to have those hats for (Friday’s) game, so I’ve got to say it’s Amazon’s fault for not getting them there on time,” Fahey said with a laugh. “You lose on the first day, but you know you’ve got to come back and play another meaningful game and have a chance to go out with a win.
“Our girls wanted to finish with a win and they did.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.