A Senior's Unlikely Heroics
Sarah Boertlein, a seldom‑used forward for Sandburg’s soccer team, stepped up when it mattered most. In the Class 3A Andrew Sectional semifinals on May 26, she converted the winning penalty kick against Lincoln‑Way East, a moment that turned a modest varsity career into a headline.
The match stretched beyond regulation, surviving two overtime periods before being decided by a marathon of spot‑kicks. Boertlein’s successful strike in the eighth round sealed the victory for the Eagles, who had entered the game with modest expectations but left with a sectional final berth.
Freshmen Quinn Fahey and Sofie Ulleweit contributed crucial goals earlier in the postseason, helping the squad upset Stagg, Marist and Lincoln‑Way East. Their impact, combined with Boertlein’s composure under pressure, illustrated a surprising depth in the Sandburg lineup.
The Eagles’ run ended abruptly on May 29, when they fell 2‑0 to Lincoln‑Way Central, closing the chapter on a season that exceeded many forecasts. Meanwhile, the rival Lyons program reached the championship of the Class 3A Downers Grove South Sectional, only to lose 1‑0 in a penalty shoot‑out to Hinsdale Central. Carolina Capizzi and Avery Lusk converted for the Lions, while Zibby Michaelson and Anna Bigenwald found the net in a 3‑0 semifinal win over Oak Park.
Beyond the field, Boertlein announced her commitment to Ole Miss, where she plans to study nursing and continue her soccer career in intramural play. She has spoken openly about the nerves that preceded her decisive kick, describing an initial surge of fear that gave way to confidence once the ball hit the net.