Lincoln-Way Central continues to thrive

Updated: May 4, 2011 6:59PM

With three players out with different ailments including two starters, Lincoln-Way Central resembled the walking wounded Wednesday against Lockport.

But in the midst of a brutal last week of the regular season, the Knights aren’t just surviving. They are thriving.

After upsetting Sandburg Monday, Central beat visiting Lockport 9-6 Wednesday in a SouthWest Suburban Blue game. They will face Homewood-Flossmoor Friday and travel to the loaded Stevenson Invite this weekend before playoffs begin next week.

“We’re missing three girls, and it was great for some of the girls to come up and get that experience,” Central goalie Caroline Foglton said. “They helped us out a lot.”

Danijela Jackovich led Lincoln-Way Central (14-11, 7-5) with six goals with Ashley Knight, Jamie Graf and Kaitlyn Thompson scoring one goal apiece.

“A lot of teams look to contain (Danijela), putting two or three girls on her, and shes learned to rise above it,” Central coach Karen Desruisseaux said. “That girl could have the flu, and shed still have six goals.”

The Knights took a 4-1 lead after one quarter thanks to two Jackovich goals. One highlight reel score had the sophomores head under the water, but she was able to get the shot off as Central took an early lead.

“It’s always better to go out strong so the other team has to make a comeback,” Jackovich said. “We always try to build up some goals.”

Holding the Porters to two scores or less each period, Lincoln-Way Central held a 9-4 advantage through three. Lockport (6-20, 2-10) made its push early in the fourth quarter, scoring two goals to get within three at 9-6, but thanks to Fogltons work in the goal, the Porters got no closer.

Foglton made three saves in the quarter, including one leaping grab, that helped hold off the late comeback. She finished with eight overall, sharing goalkeeping duties with Gabriele Dokianos (4 saves).

“Our goalies are still working on being aware and being in the right places, but Caroline looked great down there,” Desruisseaux said. “Both goalies had some good saves.”

Ashley Holtrop had three goals for the Porters while Liz Latka and Megan Cavanaugh tallied one apiece in the loss. Goalkeeper Rachel Boo finished with seven saves for Lockport.

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