Fighting Saints claim invitational title with overtime winner against Plainfield North

St. Charles East capped a perfect week in dramatic fashion Saturday, beating Plainfield North 2-1 in overtime to win the Rose Augsburg Drach Invitational championship at home. Mya Leon delivered the decisive moment with 2:28 left in the second overtime, finishing a chance set up by Qori Strotkamp and sending the Fighting Saints to 5-0 on the season.

The championship match was tight from the start, with neither side breaking through in a scoreless first half. Plainfield North finally grabbed a 1-0 lead at 39:05, putting the Saints in chase mode late in regulation. St. Charles East answered with poise, and Anika Dodrill pulled the team even with 4:30 remaining in the second half on an assist from Strotkamp.

That equalizer gave the Saints new life, and the pressure continued into overtime. Strotkamp, who was involved in both St. Charles East goals, again helped create the breakthrough in the final extra session. Leon finished the winner at 2:28 of the second overtime, completing the comeback and sealing the tournament title for the Saints.

Mia Olenek was outstanding in goal and gave St. Charles East the platform to rally. The Saints keeper played all 80 minutes and made 11 saves while allowing just one goal, a crucial performance in a match that demanded steady defending and big stops throughout. Her work kept Plainfield North from adding to its lead and allowed the Saints to stay within striking distance.

The title match continued a strong early run for St. Charles East, which had already beaten Boylan, DePaul Prep and York during the invitational. Leon added another important goal to her fast start, Dodrill came through with the late equalizer, and Strotkamp's playmaking proved decisive on the biggest stage of the week. The Fighting Saints left the field Saturday with a championship trophy and an unbeaten 5-0 record.