Rams top Antioch

Updated: March 23, 2011 3:50PM

Grayslake Central High's girls soccer team opened its 2011 season in style, blanking visiting Antioch 2-0 on Monday in a non-conference match.

The Rams got goals from Lauren Laballo (12:54 left in the first 40-minute half) and Skyler Jessop (9:32 left in the match), and flawless goaltending from Kat Dickson to earn the win.

Laballo's goals was assisted by Jessop, and Jessop's goal was assisted by Emma Shepard.

"I was pleased with the effort today," said Rams coach Mike McCalou. "We created a ton of chances on the offensive end."

For the game, Grayslake Central had 12 shots on net and many others that veered off frame.

"Give the Antioch goalie (freshman Kaylee Price) credit. She came up huge," said McCalou.

Dickson was even sharper, though she was required to make just four saves.

Jessop is used to winning, as she was a starter on the school's powerhouse girls basketball team, as was Dickson.

"Today was definitely a team effort," said Jessop. "We played well offensively. Last year, our team had struggle scoring. We were excited all off-season to come out here and improve."

McCalou knows he's lucky to have Jessop on the pitch this spring.

"She's a great athlete," the coach said. "She's very aggressive and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time."

Antioch started three freshmen in its season opener.

"Kaylee was phenomenal in goal today and our defense stepped up in the second half," said Antioch coach Hannah Drye. "We're looking to continue to improve and compete in each game."

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