Sectional Contenders Emerge
The Notre Dame High School girls soccer team captured its first Class 3A regional championship on Tuesday, routing Joliet West 7‑0. The victory not only marked a historic milestone for the program but also secured a berth against the winner of the Minooka Regional in the Normal Community Sectional semifinals later this week.
Meanwhile, Morton continued its dominance, posting a 4‑0 shutout of Richwoods to claim its fourth straight regional title. The win extended the team’s unbeaten streak to 17 consecutive matches, tying an Illinois High School Association record for the longest shutout run.
In a dramatic overtime showdown, Dunlap upset the second‑seeded Washington squad 2‑1. Mia Williams delivered the decisive goal with just three minutes remaining in the second extra period, sparking celebrations among the Dunlap players and fans.
Monticello also advanced after a tense penalty‑kick finale, edging Peoria Christian to claim its regional crown. The match went the distance before the Sages emerged victorious, underscoring their resilience under pressure.
Geneseo completed its regional run with a commanding 3‑0 victory over Canton, posting a clean sheet that highlighted the team’s defensive cohesion as the season progresses.
Princeton’s upcoming regional final against Rock Island Alleman has been rescheduled for Saturday, giving the Tigers additional preparation time before they aim to extend their own playoff journey.
The string of regional triumphs reflects a growing depth of talent across the area’s high school programs, setting the stage for competitive sectional matchups that will test the early‑season form of these emerging champions.