Hinsdale South blanks Northside to assure first state trophy

RIVER FOREST — Hinsdale South ripped off shot after shot early in its Class 2A Concordia Supersectional Tuesday. It was just a matter of time before one went in.

Dynamic freshman Cali Vanderplow scored the game’s first goal and the Hornets’ defense earned its fourth shutout in five games as Hinsdale South defeated Northside 4-0 to advance to the state semifinals at North Central College in Naperville.

The Hornets will play Lemont or Normal West at 11 a.m. Friday in their first state tournament appearance since making three consecutive trips to the Class AA Elite Eight from 1988-90. Hinsdale South is assured of a state trophy and the best finish in team history.

The Hornets (19-6-1) scored three goals in the first half while Northside (14-7-2) rarely threatened.

“They are a good team,” Northside coach Robert Albritton said. “We had opportunities. In the second minute, we nearly had a goal on a breakaway. Hinsdale played sluggish in the first 20 minutes. We didn’t capitalize and they got more confidence as the game went on.”

Vanderplow sparked a three-goal explosion in the final 10 minutes of the first half when she dribbled past a defender, pulled back to gain space and then ripped a shot past goalkeeper Rachel Stromsta.

Four minutes later, Cassie Jensen headed in Betta Bifero’s corner kick and then Kelly Flemm scored on a floater over Stromsta’s head with 1:19 to go.

Courtney Cavalli completed the scoring with 21:41 remaining in the second half off an assist by Jessica Koziol.

“When I first made the goal, I knew it would get us a rush of energy the team needed,” Vanderplow said. “It took the pressure off me and gave us a rush of confidence.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Jean Cote earned her fourth shutout of the playoffs and her fifth in the last six games. The Hornets have allowed only one goal in the postseason.