Girls Soccer: Providence outlasts Joliet Catholic

Updated: April 18, 2012 8:57PM

Proof that a healthy rivalry between Joliet Catholic and Providence exists beyond the major sports was evident Wednesday in a physical girls soccer game.

Bodies collided all over the Providence field as players from both teams chased down loose balls and weren’t afraid to initiate contact.

Providence held on for a 4-2 East Suburban Catholic victory, getting a key save from goalkeeper Tess Barrett before an insurance goal by Kyleigh Maday in the final minutes completed the scoring.

“It still comes in to play in girls soccer,’’ Providence coach Dan Potempa said of the rivalry between the schools. “It’s always a tough game, it’s always a hard-fought game. We know that going in every year.’’

Maggie Corso opened the scoring on a close-in rebound midway through the first half.

Eileen Kenny made it 2-0 with 10 minutes left in the half on a nice pass from Molly Whatley. Jamie Noonan’s second-half header gave Providence a 3-1 lead.

“The one thing I told the girls I was most proud of was they got a lead and they didn’t give it up,’’ Potempa said. “They gave up a goal here or there, but we scored a late goal and that really put that team away.’’

Providence (2-7) plays Friday and Saturday in a tournament in Springfield before the Celtics resume their conference schedule Wednesday against Benet.

“Things are starting to come around,’’ Potempa said. “We had a tough start, but we play such a tough schedule. We’re starting to function as a team.’’

Joliet Catholic coach Oscar Valdez said the Angels (1-7-1) are “lacking intensity.’’

“We’re not playing as hard as we normally play,’’ Valdez said. “Our record is showing that we’re not coming out to play hard. We’re losing our composure.’’

Rachel Zampa scored both goals for Joliet Catholic, the first on a header that made it 2-1 at halftime.

Zampa cut Providence’s lead to 3-2 on a penalty kick midway through the second half.

“I believe in this team,’’ Valdez said. “I still think we’re going to do some things at the end of the year. We have to regroup and find out where we’re lacking. We have a good squad.’’

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