Libertyville’s Erin Kelly had one task remaining Friday night.
The senior defender had spent most of the Class 3A Stevenson Regional championship game chasing Patriots star Ellie Egeland, a Maryland recruit with 28 goals and 10 assists.
“We worked so hard all season and during this game, so I really wanted to hold the (plaque),” Kelly said, smiling.
Indeed, Kelly made a point to be the first player to touch the plaque after the final buzzer sounded in the fourth-seeded Wildcats’ 2-0 victory against fifth-seeded Stevenson, lifting it over her head while celebrating with teammates.
But Kelly, a four-year varsity player and captain, is no stranger to winning trophies. She played for the teams that won the third-place game in 2021 and 2023 and said she leaned on her playoff experience on Friday.
“Our goal is to win state,” she said. “I knew I had to be a leader this year and make things positive and show the younger kids what it means to be a Wildcat.”
Sophomore midfielders Shea Krakowski and Sydney Krukonis scored the goals for Libertyville (13-4-1), which beat North Suburban Conference rival Stevenson (12-5-2) for the second time this month and advances to the Hersey Sectional semifinals to play Glenbrook South or Highland Park at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Wildcats senior goalkeeper Kate Hopma needed to make just three saves. Her counterpart, Stevenson sophomore Reese Yoo, made eight.
Libertyville coach Daniel DePaz said Kelly was a difference-maker.
“The back line is solid all the way across, and we have players who can shut down offensive weapons that other teams have,” DePaz said. “Erin has been around the program and done everything. To stop someone like Ellie Egeland is pretty impressive. She’s very aware of what her capabilities are and sticks to that. She did a fantastic job today.”
Libertyville junior defender Shannon Phillips, an IUPUI recruit, said Kelly is the main cog in the back line.
“She’s great in the air,” Phillips said. “They like play over to her, but Erin wins it in the air because she has a great vertical and anticipation. She knows when they are going to play her and steps up.”
Kelly has been essential to Libertyville’s success all season. The NSC champion Wildcats haven’t allowed a goal in 11 of their past 12 games, including all eight in the conference.
“We are working so hard, and our communication with each other and the chemistry is off the charts,” Kelly said.
Egeland rarely got an open look with Kelly marking her for most of the game. Kelly played physical, flashed her athleticism and relied on her soccer IQ.
“They have a really good back line, and they were prepared to defend us,” Egeland said. “I’ve played (Kelly) in club, and she’s always on my back. I feel she knows what I do, and a lot of other girls in high school don’t. She’s an amazing player.”
Kelly said she stuck to the game plan and the scouting report on Egeland.
“I just felt I needed to do my job today,” Kelly said. “There was one job to do on the field: play defense and attack occasionally. I did it.”
Stevenson coach Jay Bulev said the game was another frustrating defeat to the Wildcats but praised Kelly and her teammates on defense.
“Credit to Libertyville because they’re an outstanding team,” Bulev said. “They defend really well and compete for every 50-50 ball and put you under pressure. They neutralized every chance we had. We couldn’t find Ellie all game. They either recovered or intercepted. They contained her.”
Kelly has learned a few things from her three older brothers, including two, Tanner and Michael, who play baseball at Ave Maria.
“They push me to get better every day,” Kelly said. “They showed me the ability to work hard and continue for what you want. We practice together every summer, and they motivate me to continue.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.