Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Bryce Pacourek used another late push May 10 to qualify again for the IHSA Class 3A girls track and field state meet in the 800-meter run.
This time should be even better.
Pacourek finished second at the Shepard Sectional in 2:22.81 – her second-fastest time ever to her 2:21.99.
At the 2022 sectional, Pacourek’s late kick qualified for state with second place in a then-personal-best 2:26.82. She was 19th at state in 2:27.02.
“At state last year, I was surprised that I qualified and just happy to be there. This year, I have a lot more confidence, so I know that I can push myself to stay with the pack of girls in the 2:18 range,” Pacourek said.
“I think it feels more special this year because I feel like I actually belong. Last year was a challenging season, so when I had one very good race that allowed me to qualify, I didn’t feel like I belonged. This year, I have been training smart and putting in a lot of work, which has allowed me to have lots of good races, so I feel like I have earned it.”
Pacourek again was the lone state qualifier for the Bulldogs. Sophomore Gianna Gelb was fourth in the 1,600 (5:43.89). Junior Maia Nelson (3,200 in 13:20.64) and the 3,200 relay (Gelb, senior Jojo Rodriguez, sophomore Jorie Eggers, Pacourek in 10:40.53) were fifth. Senior Ava Connerty (100 high hurdles in 17.33) and junior Antonia O’Keefe (28.79 meters/94 feet-5 inches in discus) were sixth.
Like 2022, Pacourek again was third during the final lap but took over second with about 175 meters left.
At state, Pacourek hopes to break 2:20 and possibly challenge the 2:18.0 school record.
“I think there will be plenty of competition to help push me,” Pacourek said. “My experience from last year helped me realize that I need to get out faster and stay connected to the pack. I have been working on really pushing the last 200 meters, so I think that kick at the end will be extremely important at state.”
RBHS girls soccer
The Bulldogs (14-6-2, 4-1 in Metro Suburban Conference Blue) are the No. 6 seed in the IHSA Class 3A Reavis Sectional and opened May 16 against No. 9 Glenbard East. The winner most likely plays No. 3 Hinsdale Central at 5 p.m. on May 19 for the regional title and a berth in the May 23 sectional semifinal at 6:30 p.m.
On May 9, RBHS lost at St. Francis 1-0 in the winner-take-all showdown for the MSC Blue title. The two teams and Wheaton Academy shared the 2022 title with 5-1 records.
The Spartans (11-4, 5-0) scored early in the second half and then thwarted a great shot by Madison Bisiules off a Hazel Hall cross in the final two minutes.
The Bulldogs won their regular-season finale 4-2 over St. Laurence on May 11. Hall, who converted a penalty, and Niamh Larson each scored two goals with assists from Larson and Ella Caputo.
RBHS boys volleyball
The Bulldogs (21-12) are the No. 12 seed in the Oswego Sectional and begin St. Francis Regional play against No. 21 Naperville North at 7:30 p.m. on May 22. The winner most likes meets No. 5 St. Francis at 6:30 p.m. on May 23.
On May 13, the Bulldogs finished seventh at the Willowbrook Invitational by beating Highland Park 25-23, 25-19. The Bulldogs also beat Addison Trail 25-17, 25-18 in pool play.
RBHS lacrosse
The RBHS boys (4-13) are the No. 11 seed in the Lyons Township Sectional and visit No. 6 St. Charles East on May 17. The winner meets No. 3 Wheaton North on May 22.
On Senior Night, May 9, the Bulldogs beat St. Francis 7-1.
The RBHS girls (0-14) are the No. 10 seed in the Marist Sectional and play No. 7 Plainfield East on May 17 at Plainfield South. The winner faces top-seeded Benet on May 22.
RBHS boys water polo
The fifth-seeded Bulldogs (4-16) edged fourth-seeded Brother Rice 13-12 in the quarterfinals of the Lyons Township Sectional May 10 before losing to the top-seeded Lions 24-3 in the semifinals on May 12.
RBHS boys tennis
The Bulldogs play at the Class 2A York Sectional. Top-four singles and doubles finishers qualify for the state meet.
