NEW LENOX — Allison Tilly, a sophomore defender, played goalkeeper in Lemont’s 2-1 victory over Providence in the Class 2A Providence Sectional championship game in May 2024. Tilly made eight saves, including three in the final 10 minutes, to secure the win and help Lemont claim its first sectional title since 2018.

Tilly had never played goalkeeper before the week of the sectional tournament. She also appeared in net for Lemont’s 3-1 sectional semifinal win over Mother McAuley. “My first practice was Monday, we made it past Tuesday’s game and then the last two days, I’ve been hard at work learning all that I can. It’s been crazy. I didn’t know I could be this good,” Tilly said.

Gabriela Kuruc scored both goals for Lemont, including the game-winner from 30 yards out with 16:10 remaining. Madison Weil recorded an assist on one of Kuruc’s goals. For Providence, Aubrey Curry tied the game 1-1 with 22:56 left, assisted by Bailey Ortiz. Providence, the top seed in the sectional with an 18-5-3 record, was seeking its third straight sectional title.

“It’s very, very, very impressive. I’m very proud of her. I thank her so much for stepping up. She’s an amazing field player, but I never knew she’d be this amazing in the net,” Kuruc said. The Illinois-Chicago recruit added, “We knew it was going to be a superfast-paced game. Our training the last couple games, everything was quick. We showed it in this game, especially on that play.”

Tilly described her emotions during the match: “It was scary. Oh my gosh. I was like shaking the whole time. I was like, ‘No shots, please.’” She said her experience in basketball, volleyball, and softball gave her confidence. “I have a background in basketball, volleyball and softball so I was like, ‘I know I can do it.’”

Lemont finished the game with a 22-1-1 record and advanced to face Geneva in the Kankakee Supersectional at 5 p.m. Monday. “This is a huge milestone and a huge step for us since we haven’t been here since 2018. Coach Prangen is retiring. I don’t think Mark Tomczak is going to coach next year. We want to make it a memorable last season for them and keep it going,” Tilly said.

Head coach Rick Prangen, who is retiring after the season, praised Tilly’s performance: “She was phenomenal at the end of the game. She was unreal.” After the final whistle, assistant coach Mark Tomczak sprinted onto the field to hug Tilly.