Defensive intensity does it for Carmel

Relentless, harassing.

Those two words aptly describe Carmel Catholic's defensive effort in Tuesday night's Class 3A Woodstock North sectional semifinal.

Holding Lakes to 1 field goal and 3 points in the first quarter, and single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters, Carmel's defense was a force in a 47-28 win.

The Corsairs punched their ticket to Thursday's 7 p.m. sectional final against St. Viator.

"The kids really executed the defensive plan we drew up for them," said Carmel coach Ben Berg. "They responded and did everything we asked of them against a very good Lakes team. We played hard and forced them into some tough shots.

"I am very proud of these girls. The ESCC (East Suburban Catholic Conference) is a tough conference and has prepared us for the postseason."

Spearheaded by 5 points from Katie Lach, including a 3, the Corsairs (16-15) jumped out to a 10-0 lead before a free throw from Mia Edwards with 3:32 left in the quarter made it 10-1.

The first basket for the Eagles (15-16) came on a layuyp from Brittany Washington with 2:32 remaining during the first eight minutes to cut the Carmel lead to 10-3.

Carme's biggest advantage of the first half was 19 points at 27-8 on a trey from Lach 38 seconds before intermission.

"We have started a lot of games slow this season and gotten behind early," said Berg. "Tonight we flipped the script and got the lead, and Lakes had to chase us. It was nice to play with the lead."

The Corsairs' biggest lead of the second half came at 42-21 after a 10-footer in the lane by Brigit Barr with 2:11 left in the third quarter.

"Looking at lot of Carmel's game films they have struggled at times in games," said Lakes coach Brian Phelan. "They didn't struggle tonight and they were clicking on both ends of the floor. They got off to a great start and we were chasing all night. Their defense was outstanding. They were guarding the arc and we didn't get many inside looks or free looks at all."

Phelan praised seniors Abigail Korjenek, Caitlin Rodriguez and Anna Wallenfang.

"They were part of the first class that won the school's first regional," said Phelan. "Their efforts will be missed."

Lach, with a 5-for-7 effort from beyond the arc, led the Corsairs with 23 points.

"I shot a lot in the gym in practice yesterday and it paid off," said Lach. "We watched a lot of film on Lakes and I was able to find the opening to get good open looks.

"This was a good team win. We were prepared and executed well."

Edwards paced the Eagles with 8 points and 12 rebounds.