BLOOMINGTON — Junior forward Grace McGlynn has shown a knack for elevating her game in the postseason the last two years for Andrew.
When the season is on the line, McGlynn becomes a different player, according to Thunderbolts coach Loren Zolk.
“That’s ‘Playoff Grace,’” Zolk said. “She looked that way in the playoffs last year, too, and she earned a starting spot for this year.
“Late in the season, she just turned it on a bit and became a lot more impactful. That’s what we expect from her now.”
McGlynn scored a huge, game-tying goal in the first half Tuesday night, but the Thunderbolts could not contain powerful Edwardsville, losing 4-1 in the Class 3A Bloomington Supersectional.
Grace Wood had an assist and Kadence Jones made seven saves for Andrew (18-6-2), which won its third sectional title in program history, all coming in the last six years.
Mea Hook, Kylie Peel, Ellie Neath and Thea Dimitroff all scored goals for Edwardsville (17-3-1), which clinched the first state trophy in program history.
McGlynn, meanwhile, has developed a fantastic finishing touch and has the belief that she can find the net when given the opportunity.
“I think it’s really about having confidence on the field,” McGlynn said. “Your team is able to boost you. The seniors this year made it really special and made me really confident in my game.”
After Hook gave the Tigers the lead less than five minutes in, McGlynn provided the answer in the 12th minute, scoring her 11th goal of the season.
Paige Swaw played a pass to Wood, who then sent the ball ahead. McGlynn raced behind Edwardsville’s defense and buried her shot to force a 1-1 tie.
“I just saw the opportunity, saw the opening and just went for it,” McGlynn said. “It was a perfect play.
“It was a great feeling. I could hear the crowd and all my family and friends who came out to watch the game, so it was really special.”
Zolk has grown accustomed to seeing McGlynn make special plays.
“I don’t know if Grace knows how good she really is,” Zolk said. “She’s obviously got speed, but she’s got great skill, too, and she doesn’t miss shots. When I saw her in that situation, I knew it was a goal. She just doesn’t miss.
“She should give herself more credit.”
Wood definitely does not hesitate to give McGlynn her kudos.
“Grace, I can say honestly, there’s been an amazing difference from last year to this year,” Wood said. “She’s been stepping up and being a leader, especially on the attack.
“She’s so solid, and I don’t know what we would have done without her this year.”
Edwardsville bounced back from McGlynn’s goal and came through by scoring twice late in the first half to demoralize the Thunderbolts.
“The sun and the wind were definitely major factors, so to be where we were late in the half, playing against the wind and to be tied or even down one, I felt good about where we were at,” Zolk said. “But then they got another one late in the half.”
The loss, however, will not diminish the wonderful memories for Andrew.
“I could not have been prouder than I am right now,” Wood said. “I’m just so happy we made it this far and we couldn’t have done it without every single player on this team. We have such great chemistry with our passing and our communication.
“It’s a shame that it had to end, but I’ll look back with joy on this season.”
McGlynn will now turn her focus toward stepping up even more in 2025.
“It’s definitely just carrying this with us,” she said. “Trying to turn it into something positive and using it as motivation to go as far as we can next year and just keep on going.”
