If the Lyons Township girls soccer team is able to achieve the ultimate goal of winning a state championship this season, the Lions certainly won’t have to look far for inspiration. The LT boys soccer team won a state title in the fall, while West Suburban (Silver) Conference rival Hinsdale Central is the defending champion on the girls side.
“I think some of the excitement of the [LT] boys winning a state championship has spilled over to us,” Lyons Township coach Bill Lanspeary said. “Our expectations are high.”
Last season, Hinsdale Central knocked off LT 3-2 in a sectional final en route to the 2009 state title. The Lions jumped out to a 2-0 lead in that game before the Red Devils rallied and took the lead for good on Toni Kokenis’ goal with eight minutes left.
Although LT lost five key players to graduation, the Lions return some major talent to hopefully make their own run at some state hardware.
Senior Katie Nasenbenny, a returning all-state midfielder, joins all-sectional returnees Kelsey Holbrt (forward) and Steph Condon (defender) to lead the Lions’ charge. Nasenbenny and Condon have committed to Iowa and Wisconsin-Milwaukee, respectively.
Senior Renata Butikas, who also plays on the LT basketball team, is a talented goalkeeper with three years starting experience. The Lions also expect contributions from a host of other players including senior midfielders Hope Spangler (Western Michigan signee) and Lauren Grissim, along with junior defenders Emma Meyering, Elise Gordon and junior forward Lauren Moberg. Sophomore midfielder Sarah Mazur is also looking to contribute this spring.
A bevy of talented juniors should bolster the Lions’ play all over the field. Anna Devine, Kammy Murphy and Maddie Pappas are solid defenders, while forwards Coco Corrigan and Hannah Drogosz should add scoring punch this season.
Neuqua Valley edged the Lions 1-0 last Thursday (March 18) in LT’s opener. Nasenbenny gave the Lions a 1-0 lead when she scored with 32:56 remaining in the second half; however, Illinois-bound Vanessa DiBernardo tallied a pair of goals including the game-winner with 2:58 left in regulation to give the Warriors a hard-fought victory. Despite the loss, LT battled the entire game and put 11 shots on goal, including seven by Nasenbenny.
“Katie and Vanessa battled back and forth,” Lanspeary said. “They are two of the best players in the area and it was fun to watch.”
The Lions will practice this week before resuming their schedule with three home games against St. Ignatius (March 30, 5:30 p.m.), Andrew (April 1, 6 p.m.) and Lincoln-Way North (April 3, 11 a.m.). Lyons opens conference play at Glenbard West (April 5, 4:45 p.m.). The Lions host Hinsdale Central on April 27 at 4:45 p.m. in a highly anticipated match, and will also participate in the Pepsi Showdown and Naperville North Invitational.