Jerantowski’s strike sinks Tinley

Updated: May 28, 2011 3:26PM

The way Saturday’s Class 2A Lincoln-Way West Sectional title game between Lemont and Tinley Park developed, it was clear that one bounce of the ball or one great individual play could very well decide it.

When a Tinley Park clearing attempt deflected onto the feet of Indians forward Kim Jerantowski in the match’s 69th minute, the freshman didn’t miss her opportunity.

Jerantowski’s strong strike from 30 yards out snuck inside the right post for the only goal in a 1-0 Lemont win in New Lenox.

“I saw an opening so I just took a touch and hit it into the corner,” Jerantowski said. “I knew we needed a goal. There’s a lot of pressure (in the playoffs), but we’re just trying to outwork our opponents.”

Lemont (21-4) will meet host Peoria Notre Dame (10-9-3) in a supersectional contest set for 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Indians are looking for their second trip to state in three years after finishing second in 2009.

Jerantowski’s goal put an end to a day of frustration for Lemont. The Indians had some chances and piled up nine corner kicks, but couldn’t take control.

“It was an ugly game,” Lemont coach Rick Prangen said. “At this point, the most important thing is moving on. We’ve gone four playoff games without allowing a goal. Keeping clean sheets means a lot to us.”

Freshman goalkeeper Kelly Fritz made three saves to record the shut out.

After a first half that saw little action beyond the midfield, things opened up in the second half.

Tinley Park (14-8) had a strong surge early in the half. Kelsey Neylon made a nice rush down the right sideline in transition to set up a Liz Kopecky shot that went wide with 32:05 left.

In the next seven minutes, the Titans forced Fritz to make two saves and Kayle Diddens fired a free kick wide.

Lemont, though, controlled play for the final 20 minutes.

“We’ve had out battles with Lemont and our girls are always up for it,” Titans coach Paul Dorney said. “The ball went their way today.”

And the game went Lemont’s way thanks to Jerantowski.

“I knew it would take a one-on-one play to win this,” Prangen said. “It was a great finish from Kim.”

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