Walker, Hinsdale South flip way past Oswego

Updated: April 9, 2011 7:36PM

Jamie Walker has performed flip throw-ins for four years for Hinsdale South. One of them provided an assist in Thursday's victory over Oswego in a consolation game in the Pepsi Showdown.

Walker's head-over-heels throw-in helped score an insurance goal for the host Hornets, who were coming off a first-round loss to Lane Tuesday in the Pepsi Showdown. Senior Brittney Noble's header was on the receiving end of Walker's long throw-in to give Hinsdale South a 3-1 victory over the Panthers. The header was the last goal of the game.

"It was a good feeling," said Walker, a senior. "It got the whole team excited. It was cool. Brittney came in and had an amazing header."

Walker said it was the first time in her high school career that one of her throw-ins was credited as an assist.

Walker scored her second goal of the season to open the game's scoring with a goal with 35:15 remaining in the second half. Walker's breakaway beat goalkeeper Amy Annala, who came charging out of the goal too late.

Senior Jackie Belmonte scored her third goal in Hinsdale South's last two games to give the Hornets (2-3) a 2-0 lead with 33:41 remaining. Walker picked up her first of two assists in the game with a pass to Belmonte, who chipped the ball over Annala's head from 20 yards out.

Cathy Tram scored the 1-5 Panthers' only goal less than one minute after Belmonte's goal when Tram's free kick from about 30 yards went over the outstretched arms of Hinsdale South keeper Vanessa Niestrom.

"I think keeping teams from scoring right now is our biggest struggle," said Oswego coach Jamie Bartkowiak, whose team has allowed 16 goals this season. "In our past few games, we've scored on every other team, but did not score against Naperville Central (4-0 loss). We're working with a new (defensive) formation. The formation we are in will take time, but it will be a learning curve for the girls."

Oswego has allowed at least three goals in each game this season except for its 8-0 win over Romeoville March 31.

Walker has performed flip throw-ins since age 7 after starting out with gymnastics at age 3. She also does flip throw-ins for her club soccer team, the Chicago Fire Juniors.

"Honestly, it's not difficult. Anyway, I'm used to it. My years in gymnastics helped, though if it's wet outside, I slip (with my hands)," Walker said.

The Hornets won for the first time since beating Lincoln-Way Central 2-1 on March 22. After scoring five goals in their first three games, the Hornets have three goals in each of their last two.

"I think primarily in every game we have been getting better and better," Walker said. "We're connecting. It will take some time to play together. All of us come from different club teams (in the offseason)."

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