The Marquette Catholic girls soccer team’s 2025 campaign began with a modest 2‑0‑1 start, but a two‑week layoff left the Explorers searching for rhythm.
Their early schedule featured a dominant 6‑0 victory over Roxana, though the lead was only 1‑0 at the break, and a narrow 2‑0 win over city rival Alton that also handed Litchfield its sole defeat of the season.
A Season of Growth
The middle portion of the schedule proved challenging, as the Explorers dropped four straight games to league powerhouses Althoff and Father McGivney, but the squad rallied, finishing the regular slate 9‑0‑1 in their last ten outings.
During that stretch the offense exploded, outscoring opponents 77‑17 overall, highlighted by junior forwards Alex Stephan and Izzi Hough, who each recorded 17 goals and 13 assists.
Defensively, goalkeeper Jessica Eales anchored a backline that posted 14 shutouts, while a young roster comprising only three seniors hinted at a bright future.
Coach Brian Hoener praised the team’s perseverance, noting the growth he witnessed from the first whistle to the final playoff match and expressing confidence in the returning players for next season.