Storm's freshman nets five goals in win

Updated: March 29, 2011 11:38AM

Freshman Savanah Uveges stood out in basketball for South Elgin's varsity, and proved Monday on the soccer field there's more to her athleticism than hoops.

"I'm more of an in-the-moment player," she said. "Whatever sport I'm playing, I'm having fun."

Uveges had plenty of fun against Elgin in the opening match of the South Elgin Spring Break Tournament by setting a school record with five goals in a 9-1 victory.

The five goals tied for the 20th most ever scored in an Illinois high school match. The state record is 11 goals in a match by Nikki Tarrandy of Sandburg against Stagg on May 16, 1985, but that was three years before the IHSA actually began holding state tournaments in the sport. Rosary's Cathy Loughman scored 10 goals against Aurora Christian in 1994 for the most after the establishment of a state tourney series.

Uveges' feat matched an achievement by her own coach, Tiffany Disher, for East Alton-Wood River against Litchfield, May 12, 1998.

"She was up with varsity since Day 1 at practice," Disher said. "She really stands out. She does have many leader qualities as a freshman, leads by example and has a real presence on the field.

"She could have had a couple more if she hadn't passed them over for passes in. She had good placement."

The five goals are the most on record in the state since May 11, 2009, when Lynn DeVriese scored six for Rock Island Alleman.

"Coach was talking to us earlier about how we have to work the middle field and if we make that outside run it's usually open," Uveges said. "So I just kind of focused on what she told us. She was right. It was there every time."

The remarkable thing about Uveges' five goals was the second, third and fourth came in a span of only 2 minutes, 24 seconds.

The Storm's attacking midfielder scored unassisted for a 6-0 lead at the 38:19 mark of the second half, then off an assist from Andrea Walsh at 36:40. That goal cut the remaining time of the match from 36:40 to 18:20 because of the IHSA mercy rule, which reduces time remaining in half once there is a seven-goal, second-half deficit.

Then Uveges scored at the 17:35 mark. She came out of the match, but returned briefly and scored the final goal with 4:33 remaining.

"We needed points," Uveges said. "The more goals we score in the tournament, it helps us in the long run because if we end up tying a team it's a tie-breaker. So that was motivation."

The goal explosion as a freshman surprised Uveges.

"I was actually kind of thinking I'd be more, kind of like, timid playing," she said. "But really I've formed up with everybody out there."

The Storm's early scoring was a complete team effort. Midfielder Molly Tierney, forward Jessica DeSimon, midfielder Jenna Hollander, and forward Janette Salas all scored in the first half for South Elgin.

For South Elgin (2-1), Andrea Walsh made two assists, and Natalie Castro, Lauren McKay, Hollander, Jill Ellison, and DeSimon had one each.

Elgin (0-3) trailed 8-0 before breaking onto the board for the first time this season with a penalty shot by Missy Roberts. Goalie Kaylie Latsonas made a diving save to her left, but Roberts alertly kicked in the rebound with 8:51 remaining.

Defending tourney champion Rolling Meadows rates the favorite in this tourney, which runs throughout the week.

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