Connecting with a 4-Wood
Making varsity debut for Andrew, junior midfielder scores 4 against Tinley Park
Junior midfielder Grace Wood felt some nerves as she took the field for her first varsity game with Andrew.
Wood quickly put them aside, though. Then she put on a show.
“The first time you touch the ball, it kind of all goes away and you get used to it,” Wood said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Wood made her varsity debut unforgettable Wednesday, scoring four goals and adding an assist as the Thunderbolts rolled to a 9-0 win over crosstown rival Tinley Park in a Windy City Ram Classic first-round game at Romeoville.
Layla Martino and Taylor London added two goals apiece for Andrew (1-0). Paige Swaw scored once, while Annabel Walsh and Kadence Jones combined for the shutout in goal.
Krystal Brooks made four saves for Tinley Park (0-1).
Wood made quite an impression on Andrew coach Loren Zolk in the preseason, convincing Zolk his team would have a new weapon. Wood certainly showed that in the season opener.
“She was on JV last year and we pulled her up for the playoffs,” Zolk said of Wood. “This year, she showed up at tryouts and was like a different type of player all of a sudden.
“About 30 minutes into tryouts we were like, ‘Wow, this is going to be a good addition.’ She got stronger. She got faster. She’s more aggressive taking shots. It’s been a pleasant surprise.”
Wood assisted on London’s second goal, which gave Andrew a 5-0 lead late in the first half, then scored the final four goals of the day.
“It was exciting, but I don’t think I could have done it without everyone on the team,” Wood said. “We showed a lot of teamwork.”
Wood said she’s grown as a player since last season and came in believing she was ready to contribute on varsity.
“Going from sophomore to junior year, I think I gained a lot of confidence,” Wood said. “I played club with a lot of my teammates on this team and that helped a lot.
“I think having confidence has helped a lot with improving my skills.”
London, a returning starter, was impressed by the performances of several newcomers, including Wood.
“She showed great foot skills and great teamwork,” London said of Wood. “I think we all worked together and doing that is the main part. When we work together, it all works out in the end.”
Martino also waited little time making an impact in her varsity debut, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes.
“It was me and Grace’s first game on varsity and I think we did really well,” Martino said. “Our team works well together and we have a lot of chemistry.
“Of course, I was nervous, but my friends all made it really easy to step on the field for the first time on varsity and made it a fun experience.”
Martino hopes the strong opening-day performance will set the tone for the rest of her season.
“It made me feel like I can hang with the older girls and work together to make a good team,” Martino said.
Emily Tobin, Natalia Truesdale, Jessica Morawski and Bella Kreydich led the defensive effort as Andrew held Tinley Park without a shot on goal.
“Any time you can put some passes together and score some goals, you’ve got to feel good about that,” Zolk said. “Getting the shutout is equally important.”
In the end, it was as perfect of an opening day as Andrew could have asked for Wednesday. And surely a memorable one for Wood.
“For everybody on the team, it’s a great way to start the season,” she said.