Lemont’s Unexpected Hero: Allison Tilly Shines in Goal

Allison Tilly’s fearless spirit and adaptability transformed a challenge into a triumph for Lemont. Faced with injuries and unexpected circumstances, Lemont needed a goalkeeper for the sectional. Tilly, a sophomore defender with no prior experience as a goalkeeper, stepped up. ‘I have experience in basketball, volleyball, and softball, so I knew I could do it,’ she said. ‘I was confident and decided to try since no one else would.’

Her first practice was on Monday, and by Friday, Tilly was a hero. She made eight crucial saves, leading Lemont to a 2-1 victory against the host Celtics in the Class 2A Providence Sectional championship in New Lenox.

Lemont goalkeeper Allison Tilly (27) knocks the ball away against the host Celtics during the Class 2A Providence Sectional championship game in New Lenox on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Illinois-Chicago recruit Gabriela Kuruc scored twice, and Madison Weil provided an assist for Lemont, aiding their first sectional title win since 2018. Lemont, with a record of 22-1-1, will face Geneva at 5 p.m. Monday in the Kankakee Supersectional, aiming to extend the final season for Coach Rick Prangen, who will retire soon after.

This is a huge milestone,’ said Tilly. ‘Coach Prangen is retiring, and we want to make this a memorable season for him and keep winning.’

Gabriela Kuruc responded spectacularly with a steal and a 30-yard shot, reclaiming the lead for Lemont after Aubrey Curry of top-seeded Providence had tied the match. Providence’s attempt at a third consecutive sectional title fell short with their 18-5-3 record. The match was fast-paced, as anticipated by Kuruc. ‘Our training was fast, and we showed it during this game,’ she noted.

Tilly managed to thwart every attempt from the Celtics in a tense final ten minutes. ‘It was scary,’ Tilly admitted. ‘There were many shots, but I dealt with them like a pro.’

Coach Prangen praised Tilly’s performance as ‘unreal’ and ‘phenomenal.’ Tilly soaked up as much information from her coaches as possible, though she sometimes overthought during practice. Once in the game, instinct took over. ‘You just react and play,’ she explained.

Lemont goalkeeper Allison Tilly (27) watches the ball get cleared on a corner kick against the host Celtics during the Class 2A Providence Sectional final in New Lenox on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Kuruc expressed her admiration for Tilly, who had also been instrumental in the previous victory over Mother McAuley. ‘I’m so proud of her,’ Kuruc said. ‘She stepped up wonderfully.’

Assistant coach Mark Tomczak, who specializes in coaching goalkeepers, gave Tilly a heartfelt embrace after the game. ‘I felt like I was floating,’ Tilly said. ‘The pride and smiles from everyone make this surreal.’