EVANSVILLE - Monroe sophomore Maddie Kallgren scored two goals as the Cheesemakers stunned No. 1 seed Evansville 2-1 to win a WIAA Division 3 regional championship Saturday.
With the win, Monroe (11-7) made history by becoming the first boys or girls regional title in the history of the program.
Monroe will play at No. 2 Delavan-Darien at 1 p.m. Thursday in a sectional semifinal.
"I think this year they all believed they could go much further than previous years," Monroe coach Miriam O'Neill said of her players. "They proved they could make history. They are the first boys or girls team to win the regional and make it to the sectionals."
The Cheesemakers struck first with Kallgren, scoring a goal on an assist from senior Gabby Ludwig at 20 minutes, 23 seconds. Kallgren scored her second goal on a pass from Madeline Knutson at 65:34 to give the Cheesemakers a 2-0 lead.
"We started out very strong," O'Neill said. "Every single player was focused. I think it (Kallgren's first goal) raised the intensity level of both teams. We just stepped it up a little bit further."
Monroe senior goalkeeper Shyanna Kelley had 11 saves.
"She made some tremendous saves," O'Neill said. "She had a brilliant game. She has improved so much. Our defense the last couple of games with Allie Coplien and Lez'lee Foley has just been outstanding."
The Cheesemakers now gear up to play Delavan-Darien with a chance to play for a sectional title on the line.
"We are extremely optimistic," O'Neill said. "We are playing our best soccer right now. Every single player is determined. We play in a tough schedule during the year, but it pays off when we come to the regional and sectional."
With the win, Monroe (11-7) made history by becoming the first boys or girls regional title in the history of the program.
Monroe will play at No. 2 Delavan-Darien at 1 p.m. Thursday in a sectional semifinal.
"I think this year they all believed they could go much further than previous years," Monroe coach Miriam O'Neill said of her players. "They proved they could make history. They are the first boys or girls team to win the regional and make it to the sectionals."
The Cheesemakers struck first with Kallgren, scoring a goal on an assist from senior Gabby Ludwig at 20 minutes, 23 seconds. Kallgren scored her second goal on a pass from Madeline Knutson at 65:34 to give the Cheesemakers a 2-0 lead.
"We started out very strong," O'Neill said. "Every single player was focused. I think it (Kallgren's first goal) raised the intensity level of both teams. We just stepped it up a little bit further."
Monroe senior goalkeeper Shyanna Kelley had 11 saves.
"She made some tremendous saves," O'Neill said. "She had a brilliant game. She has improved so much. Our defense the last couple of games with Allie Coplien and Lez'lee Foley has just been outstanding."
The Cheesemakers now gear up to play Delavan-Darien with a chance to play for a sectional title on the line.
"We are extremely optimistic," O'Neill said. "We are playing our best soccer right now. Every single player is determined. We play in a tough schedule during the year, but it pays off when we come to the regional and sectional."
