Young stars rise early

The All-Area team: front, from left: Leah Fortune (10), Wheaton Academy; Bri Rodriguez (3), Waubonsie Valley. Back, from left: Casey Short, Naperville Central; Rosie White, Hersey; Annie Evans, Lake Forest; Vanessa DiBernardo, Waubonsie Valley; Krissy Dorre, Joliet; Sara Petermann, Carmel; Ali Hall, Stevenson; Emily Oliver, H-F.
(Jean Lachat/Sun-Times)

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Youth was served during the 2008 girls soccer season.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that seven of the 11 members on the Sun-Times All-Area team are underclassmen.

Some of the talent from this prestigious squad will be on display Friday at the Class AA state quarterfinals, when four of the members will be showcased.

Here's a closer look at the Sun-Times All-Area first team:

GOALIE

Emily Oliver, Homewood-Flossmoor: Before heading to the shootout in Monday's supersectional against Lemont, the sophomore walked up to coach Todd Elkei and said, ''We just need to score one, because I'm going to stop the rest.''

The Vikings won the shootout 2-1 and earned their first Class AA state berth in the process. Heading into today's state quarterfinal match, she has allowed a mere seven goals in 25 matches.

DEFENDERS

Rosie White, Hersey: If you are looking for a true one-on-one lockdown defender, look no further. A big reason why Hersey had its best record in the program's history this season was because of this senior.

Krissy Dorre, Joliet: Despite controlling the back for the Steelmen, this sophomore also found the back of the net 16 times. She is an all-around star on the rise thanks to her ball skills and speed.

''Krissy is a selfless person and helped improve each member of our team,'' coach Jeff Lundeen said.

Annie Evans, Lake Forest: The junior was the main reason why the Scouts were a team to watch. After losing eight starters to graduation, Evans keyed the backline in front of a goalie that had never played that position.

MIDFIELDERS

Vanessa DiBernardo, Waubonsie Valley: There are a number of coaches out there who believe this sophomore is the best pure goal scorer in the state. When the game is on the line, she rises to the occasion -- as was the case again during the Warriors' 1-0 overtime supersectional victory. She has 15 goals for the defending state champs.

Ali Hall, Stevenson: When this junior is on, some argue that she is the best player in the state. With or without the ball, Hall has great speed. And when it comes to restarts, she tends to make something special happen.

Bri Rodriguez, Waubonsie Valley: This marks the third consecutive year in which this junior is a member of the All-Area team. Barring a major slump or injury next spring, the West Virginia-bound star will become the first four-time All-Area pick. She has 13 goals and 25 assists entering today's quarterfinal against Maine South.

FORWARDS:

Leah Fortune, Wheaton Academy: The Clemson-bound junior finished with 27 goals and 17 assists.

''Leah is the best 1-on-1 attacker that I have coached,'' coach Dave Underwood said. ''She is extremely capable of breaking down opposing defenses off the dribble and really has the total package. Leah is incredibly skilled, has a great work rate, very smart and humble.''

Jamie Orewiler, Wheaton North: This senior found the back of the net 18 times to go along with 11 assists. She finished her outstanding career with 70 goals and 39 assists.

''Jamie has a work rate and rate of success that I have never seen before in girls soccer,'' coach Tim McEvilly said.

Casey Short, Naperville Central: The Florida State-bound senior made a huge difference for the Redhawks. After skipping her sophomore and junior seasons to run track, her speed and skill cause problems for opponents. With Short, Naperville Central won 20 games thanks to her 18 goals.

Sara Petermann, Carmel: Big-time players step up in big-time games. That's what Petermann did Monday in a supersectional against Hersey. Carmel won 3-1 thanks to the senior's three goals. She finished the regular season with 31 goals.

''Sara was voted the No. 1 player for our all-state, all-sectional meeting,'' coach John Halloran said.

FIRST TEAM

Goalie: Emily Oliver, H-F, soph.

Defenders: Rosie White, Hersey, sr.; Krissy Doore, Joliet, soph.; Annie Evans, Lake Forest, jr.

Midfielders: Vanessa DiBernardo, Waubonsie Valley, soph.; Ali Hall, Stevenson, jr.; Bri Rodriguez, Waubonsie Valley, jr. Forwards: Leah Fortune, Wheaton Academy, jr.; Jamie Orewiler, Wheaton North, sr.; Casey Short, Naperville Central, sr.; Sara Petermann, Carmel, sr.

SECOND TEAM

Goalie: Vicki Traven, St. Charles North, sr.

Defenders: Ellen Bartindale, St. Charles East, sr.; Rachel Bostick, Waubonsie Valley, jr.; Kristen Gierman, Hersey, jr.; Michelle Rowley, Mundelein, jr.

Midfielders: Megan Oyster, Neuqua Valley, fr.; Michelle Scandora, Wheaton North, sr.; Caitlin Winkelman, St. Charles North, sr.

Forwards: Kendra Collins, Neuqua Valley, sr.; Alex Ehr, Fremd, sr.; Jenna Shemky, Maine South, soph.

THIRD TEAM

Goalie: Claire Hanold, Waubonsie Valley, jr. Defenders: Jessica Arabia, Naperville North, jr.; Lauren Zallis, Lincoln-Way East, sr.

Midfielders: Nicole Denenberg, St. Ignatius, jr.; Allison Doyle, Lincoln-Way Central, sr.; Emily Kuo, U-High, jr.; Jessie Wall, New Trier, sr.

Forwards: Jessica Carlson, Hinsdale South, sr., Melanie Coderre, Homewood-Flossmoor, soph.; Leah Johnson, Wheaton South, sr.; Colleen Sestan, York, sr.