Losing last season due to the coronavirus pandemic was tough for all girls soccer players, but it was especially hard for Reavis’ Isabel Guzman.

Guzman, now a senior midfielder, missed her sophomore season with a torn ACL in her left knee and was preparing for her comeback when the shutdown caused her to miss out on two straight years with the Rams.

“It’s been two long years,” Guzman said. “It’s my senior year, and I didn’t expect this would be the next time I’d be playing after we ended our last game freshman year, but it’s nice to be back.”

Guzman, a Lewis recruit, has scored three goals this season for Reavis (3-1-1). She’s trying to soak in all the moments of her senior year after the long wait.

“Sophomore year was a rough patch for me,” she said. “I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old, so to have to stop all of a sudden was tough. I got back, club season happened, and it went fine.

“I was excited for my junior year with Reavis and then COVID hit. It was tough. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I just want to make the most of my senior season.”

Reavis coach Jeff Grider is thrilled to see Guzman back on the field.

”She scored nine goals her freshman year and was looking to build on that,” Grider said. “Then the injury. She comes back healthy, then COVID.

“Just to see how much work and physical therapy she put in and then to have the anguish of losing two seasons, I just want her to have fun this year.”

Guzman made sure the lost time would not ruin her dream of playing college soccer, and she’s excited for the next step at Lewis.

“I was nervous because of the injury sophomore year and then COVID,” she said. “The recruiting process was tough. When I got an email back from Lewis, I was like, ‘Yep, that’s it.’ I was ecstatic.

“I’m always up for a challenge. I like being around people that are going to push me to a new level. It’s always been a goal to play in the NCAA, so I’m really happy to sign with a Division II school.”

Welcome back:Victoria Kappel, a star goalkeeper who led Sandburg to third place and runner-up finishes in back-to-back state appearances in 2009 and 2010, has returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach.

Kappel played at Western Illinois and professionally in Ireland.

“I lived in Georgia for a time and when I moved back, I knew I needed that passion from soccer again, in addition to being a speech pathologist,” Kappel said. “I’ve been coaching goalies for the Olympic Development Program for two or three years and when the opportunity opened this season at Sandburg, I did not hesitate. It was an immediate yes.”

Bouncing back:A 7-0 loss to Sandburg made for a humbling season opener for Lemont, which then fell 3-0 to Lincoln-Way West.

The Indians have responded with four straight wins, outscoring their opponents 27-0 to start 4-0 in South Suburban Conference play heading into a key week that includes games with Reavis, T.F. United and Tinley Park.

Senior forward Victoria Silvar pointed to pride in the program for the quick turnaround.

“We have a history with Lemont High School, and we want to maintain that and keep our legacy going,” Silvar said. “Losing is never good, but you always want to bounce back and keep your head up.”

Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.