ROCHELLE – No matter the situation, the shots kept coming for the Sycamore soccer team.
And Marissa Fetters kept turning them away.
A stellar performance by the Crystal Lake South goalkeeper put an end to the Spartans’ season Tuesday in a semifinal of the Class 2A Rochelle Sectional, 3-2, in overtime.
“Keeper made some saves, especially at the end there,” Sycamore coach Dave Lichamer said. “What can you say? You had two solid teams battling it out. They came out on top today.”
Sycamore had 32 shots in the game, while Fetters made 18 saves for the Gators (13-6). Kierah Meier was the first to connect, in the 14th minute, on an assist from Saydie Holland.
Two minutes later the Gators tied the game on a shot by Cam Sengstock. In the 38th minute, Holland put the Spartans back ahead – a lead that lasted until seven minutes left in the game. Taylor Bittenbender fed Lilli Sisler on a cross, and Sisler found the back of the net.
With 8:55 left in the final of two overtime periods, Sisler scored off a rebound of Sycamore goalie Lilly Horne. The ball bounced to Sisler on the far side, and she punched it in for the 3-2 lead.
“Sometimes, it’s the finesse that’s going to get it done over the powerful shots,” South coach Jay Mueller said. “Lilli did that twice today where she just found the open spot in the net and put it right in the corner, right when we needed her to.”
Sycamore came close to tying it up on consecutive shots not even a minute later. Holland fired a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar, but right to Jaden Peck. She had an open look at the net but her shot also hit off the cross bar.
Even though the Spartans have a pair of playoff runs the past two seasons – to state in 2016 and to the sectional semifinals last year – senior Ella Holland said nerves are always in play in the postseason.
“I thought we generated a lot of chances, but we just weren’t able to finish,” she said. “I think it was just the pressure that was on – it just got to our heads.”
Holland said the year was a successful one. Lichamer agreed, but said he wished the playoff run was a little longer.
“Maybe we went out before our time based on the talent we have on this team,” Lichamer said. “It’s a shame, but someone has to lose. Today, it was us. We have to go home after today and think about what we can do to start building for next year.”
The game also brought Ella Holland’s prep career to a close, as she heads to Northern Kentucky next season.
“We had a lot of great runs,” Ella Holland said. “We made state my sophomore year, we had the sectional finals run last year and this year to the semifinals. It’s all been good.”
By the numbers: The win was the 10th in the past 11 games for the Gators.
Beyond the stats: Sycamore’s last best chance to score was with 3:32 left when Taylor Meier let loose a rocket, but Fetters controlled it.
They said it: “I thought we certainly had moments where we could have put the game out of reach,” Lichamer said. “We had some opportunities in and around the box we just couldn’t finish out. They didn’t have a whole lot of movement up forward, but they certainly made use of the time they had it.”
Up next: Burlington Central and Prairie Ridge play Wednesday, with the winner facing Crystal Lake South at 4 p.m. Friday.
Goalkeeper Marissa Fetters of Crystal Lake South makes a diving save during their girls soccer IHSA Class 2A sectional semifinal at Rochelle High School on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Rochelle. Crystal Lake South won 3-2 in overtime.
The Crystal Lake South Gators prepare to take on Sycamore during their girls soccer IHSA Class 2A sectional semifinal at Rochelle High School on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Rochelle. Crystal Lake South won 3-2 in overtime.
Sycamore's Jenna Lewey connects with the ball for a header in front of Jasmine Lopez of Crystal Lake South during their girls soccer IHSA Class 2A sectional semifinal at Rochelle High School on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Rochelle. Crystal Lake South won 3-2 in overtime.
Crystal Lake South's Madisen Safraniec (5) hugs Lilli Sisler after a goal against Sycamore during their girls soccer IHSA Class 2A sectional semifinal at Rochelle High School on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Rochelle. Crystal Lake South won 3-2 in overtime.
Sycamore's Elizabeth Haub (right) and Taylor Bittenbender go up for a header during their girls soccer IHSA Class 2A sectional semifinal at Rochelle High School on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Rochelle. Crystal Lake South won 3-2 in overtime.