Waubonsie downs New Trier in 2OT

Updated: April 28, 2011 11:17PM

When defending state champion Waubonsie Valley started the season 3-4, some people started talking about how the Warriors’ recent run at the top of the soccer world was coming to an end.

Don’t be so sure. The Warriors, who have captured three state titles in the past four years, won their fourth straight match Thursday by beating No. 7 New Trier 1-0 in double overtime in the Naperville Invitational quarterfinals at Naperville Central.

“I think we’ve all heard (the doubters) a lot and I think at the beginning of the season we weren’t as confident, just from everyone doubting us,” Waubonsie sophomore Jenna Romano said. “We kind of had to step it up to prove a point. I think we’re getting it now.”

Romano lifted the Warriors (7-4) into Friday’s semifinal match against No. 5 Lyons when she ripped a 30-yard shot between New Trier goalie Laura Martorana and the left post with 2:07 left in the second overtime, ending a game that Waubonsie dominated.

Martorana kept the Trevians (12-2-3) in the contest by making 10 saves, including two great diving stops on hard shots by Megan Green in the second half. But Romano’s goal came after the New Trier defense had cleared the ball out of the box into apparent safety. The midfielder intercepted the ball and scored on a wicked shot.

“I think after a while I was just getting really angry,” Romano said. “They played a lot of boot ball, so I was always ready for them to clear it out. When they did I just got in front of the girl and took a touch and got myself set up.”

Romano’s shot touched off a celebration by the Warriors, who outshot the Trevians 22-8 and are starting to show signs of jelling offensively.

“Oh, my gosh, I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about a goal,” Waubonsie senior defender Mary Wright said. “(Romano) is doing good controlling the middle and keeping us hyped up. She’s doing great this year and I’m sure she’ll get another score sometime soon.”

The same might not be said of Waubonsie’s opponents, who are having a tough time denting the back line of Wright, Keri Skotnicki and Michelle Filipek, who did not give up any prime scoring opportunities to New Trier and have been solid all season in front of senior goalie Jordan Myers.

“We’re fine with people overlooking us because every game we’re just ready to play,” Wright said. “With people who think we can’t make it, we’re ready to beat those odds and just keep playing hard.”

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