Rams struggle scoring again, but squeak out win over Knights

LIBERTYVILLE -- The Grayslake Central Rams defeated crosstown rival Grayslake North 1-0 here Wednesday in the semifinals of the IHSA Class AA Libertyville Regional.

The game was never seriously in doubt once the Rams scored.

The win tied a school record for victories as Grayslake Central is now 11-8-0, and puts the fifth-seeded Rams into Friday night's championship game against third-seeded Libertyville.

The Rams have never won a regional title.

The lone goal of the game came with 5 minutes 37 seconds left in the first half. Freshman Kelly Jay, the team's second-leading scorer this year got the goal after taking a pretty lob pass over the lone defender's head by junior Megan LeBaron.

"It was a great pass from one of my teammates, and I just pushed it to the side and into the back of the net," said Jay. "Without that pass, I couldn't have done it."

The only goal came in a season in which goals have been at a premium for Grayslake Central.

"We've struggled all year scoring goals," said Rams coach Mike McCaulou. "We had a lot of opportunities today," referring to the many shots that went wide of the net. "We did a great job defensively, but when you don't score, it puts too much pressure on our goalie."

Rams goalie, freshman Kat Dickson, had five easy saves in the first half and didn't have to turn away even one shot after intermission.

Meanwhile, a pair of freshman goalies for Grayslake North had eight saves on the day -- including a couple of the spectacular variety.

The Knights were leading a charmed life in the first half, with the Rams hitting the crossbar twice in the first 10 minutes. Central dominated early play, but aside from the two near-scores, was not accurate with its kicks when clear scoring opportunities were presented.

The only second-half scoring chances came in the first 10 minutes and belonged to Grayslake Central on a pair of unsuccessful breakaways. The first attempt was wide and the second resulted an injury to North goalie Ashleigh Wonsil, who came out to make the save and suffered a concussion. After a short delay, she was replaced by Kim Shurtliff, who was tested almost immediately, and made a point-blank save.

Grayslake Central 1, Grayslake North 0