The Edwardsville Tigers captured their ninth consecutive Class 3A regional championship on Tuesday, defeating Belleville West in a dramatic penalty shootout that stretched to 100 minutes of scoreless play.
A Penalty Showdown in Edwardsville
Goalkeeper Genny Burroughs stood tall between the posts, making three crucial saves that kept the Tigers alive, while forward Olivia Wolz stepped up to convert the winning spot‑kick.
Coach Justin Bernaix praised the squad’s resilience after a mid‑game injury to a starter, noting that the team’s depth was on full display.
Among the supporting cast, Anna Maxim, Grace Hughes, Brooke Stellhorn, Reagan Jumper, Gabby Thompson, Madison Kiline and Stinson contributed to the effort, while the bench also featured players such as …
Belleville West finished the season with a 13‑10‑1 record, ending a run that had seen them compete fiercely against the Tigers throughout the postseason.
Edwardsville improved to 13‑3‑2 and now prepares for a sectional semifinal against O’Fallon, a rival they have split their last six postseason meetings with.
Both schools are rooted in the Metro East region, with Edwardsville High School and Belleville West High School representing the community’s rich soccer tradition.