UNION TWP. | Andrean and Wheeler posted shutouts Tuesday to set up a rematch in the Wheeler Sectional semifinals.
Andrean defeated Bishop Noll 3-0 and Wheeler defeated Michigan City Marquette 8-0 in the Class A sectional to set up a semifinal rematch between Andrean and Wheeler. The two teams tied 1-1 Sept. 19.
Andrean (4-12-2) scored two goals off sets, including one just before halftime to defeat the Warriors.
"You never know how you're going to win a game, so it's good to finally know that all that practicing with set pieces and free kicks finally, actually pans out to be something," Andrean coach Tony Pagorek said.
Gabby Wojkovich opened the scoring in the final minute of the first half on a free kick from 35 yards. Two 59ers faked the shot before Wojkovich took it. Wojkovich's shot beat Bishop Noll goalkeeper Stephanie Delgado to the upper-left corner.
"This game is about the little things sometimes," Bishop Noll coach Lorena Jara said. "Andrean executed on a set piece. That deflated us a little bit before the half, and that's what it comes down to in a game like this."
Wojkovich said of her goal, "That just changed the whole attitude. It was a tied battle for most of the first half, and to have that really put us in favor and gave us the confidence to go out and win."
The 59ers added a second goal on a free kick in the 49th minute. Liz Krilich took the kick from 35 yards, and her shot bounced over Delgado and into the goal.
"I think that was the lift that eased everything and finally got us settled down," Pagorek said of Krilich's goal. He said the first half was very emotional for Andrean due to the death of former player Renee Ohrn on Saturday in Bloomington.
Rebecca Creviston scored the final goal in the 72nd minute on a cross from Molly Churilla.
Delgado made six saves for the Warriors (7-7-2), and Mady Mandich made two saves for the 59ers.
Wheeler (10-6-1) scored three goals in the first 16 minutes of the match.
Stephanie Moricz, who opened the scoring in the eighth minute, and Alexa Fratzke each had two goals fro the Bearcats. One of Fratzke's goals came on a penalty kick in the 11th minute.
"We did a good job of creating opportunities in the attacking third, and we finished some opportunities," Wheeler coach Vangel Nacovski said. "The good thing is that we are getting chances. That's what I'm happy about."
Lani Eaton, Haley Lovison, Haley Morgan and Kim Moskovich had goals for Wheeler, which had a 23-13 advantage in shots and a 17-8 edge in shots on goal.
"We didn't come out and play our 'A' game. I think we were just really nervous and excited," Marquette coach Megan Ohms said.
Rosie Wall had nine saves for the Blazers (3-12-1). Christina Gandy, who recorded an assist on Moricz's second goal, made eight stops for the Bearcats to record the shutout.
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