Coach Steve Keller has achieved several noteworthy accomplishments during his long tenure of coaching the girls and boys teams at Fremd.

Keller, who's in his 23rd season leading the girls program and has been the Vikings boys leader for 26 seasons, is one of the few coaches in state history who have won 300 or more matches in each division. And he also joins a very exclusive group of coaches who have led teams to 10 or more state trophies for top-four finishes on the two sides.

But one thing that he hasn't gotten yet is a state championship and the Vikings would like nothing better than making his 10th appearance in the finals, including his fourth in the girls competition, be the one that outshines the two seconds and a fourth for the girls and a second, three thirds and two fourths for Fremd's boys.

Fremd (16-4-4) meets St. Charles North (17-2-5) in Friday's 6 p.m. Class 3A semifinal match at North Central College in Naperville. New Trier (23-2-4) takes on Edwardsville (17-3-1) in the other semifinal at 7:30 p.m. 

The winners play for the 3A championship on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. while the losers will compete for third place on Saturday at 11:45 a.m.

After winning three trophies in five seasons between 2007 and 2011 (second in 2007 and 2009, and fourth in 2011), the program has finally returned to state.

"Fremd has been on a wild ride these past three weeks," Keller said. "Our team has grown in confidence and played with a spirit to win. This state Final Four appearance is the result of our girls’ work ethic and dedication to believing in the process and themselves. 

“We feel fortunate to be at this point and thankful that the time and effort have paid dividends for our group. It has been 13 years since Fremd has made it to the state finals, and this team is proud to put us back in the final weekend."

After suffering an early loss to Lake Zurich, Fremd's other three defeats came against teams that all advanced far in the playoffs, Barrington, Lyons and New Trier. That 3-0 setback to the Trevians on May 10 was the lone matchup between teams who reached the final weekend for Class 3A.

Fremd won 2-0 over the hosts to open the Buffalo Grove Regional and then defeated Conant 3-0 in the championship match. It claimed close victories in each of its next three matches, winning 1-0 over Glenbrook North in the Hersey Sectional semifinals.

It beat Libertyville in the sectional finals in penalties as senior goalkeeper Emily Gordon made three saves in the shootout. Senior defender Bella Scesniak and junior midfielder Molly Rodino both converted for a 2-1 edge in penalties.

On Tuesday in the Barrington Supersectional, the Vikings avenged a 3-0 loss on April 13 by winning on the Fillies' field to earn their fourth state appearance. The sides were scoreless through 100 minutes and thus had to determine the outcome by penalties.

Gordon halted two attempts by the hosts, and Scesniak, sophomore midfielder Gwen Zimmerman and senior defender Gemma Gillespie converted as the Vikings prevailed 3-1 in four rounds.

"Led by our senior defenders, Gemma Gillespie, Bella Scesniak and Maddie McMillan, along with Cami Tofilon, we have proved stingy on defense," Keller said. "Our midfield has been solidified with the play of Gwen Zimmerman, Sophia Kennedy and Natalia Wala. Ava Catherall and Lily Mayer have patrolled the wings with Sammie Serpico ever so dangerous at the striker position. Super subs Ciera Ewanio and Molly Rodino bolster a strong bench that is ready when called upon. 

"Along the way we won two penalty shootouts with five saves from goalkeeper Emily Gordon. Emily has proved instrumental in our success. This group is a fun, hardworking group of players who have learned what works for them. They are playing well at the right time. We hope for our best this weekend."

Zimmerman leads the Vikings in goals with 14 and also has seven assists. Sophomore midfielder Serpico has scored 13 goals and collected 11 assists while Gillespie has connected for 12 goals this season.

Senior midfielder Wala has four goals while sophomore forward Mayer (seven assists), senior forward Eleni Sotos and Scesniak all have scored three goals.

Keepers Gordon (0.39 GAA, 35 saves) and senior Riley Goettsche (0.24 GAA, 19 saves) have been supported by seniors McMillan, Gillespie and Scesniak and junior Tofilon. The Vikings have only allowed 13 goals in seven matches while recording 17 shutouts.

Earning Mid-Suburban League honors for the Vikings, who placed second in the West Division to Barrington, were Gillespie, Scesniak, Serpico, Wala and Zimmerman. The team's captains are senior midfielder Catherall, Gillespie, McMillan and Scesniak. 

Keller owns a 320-149-50 record during his 23 seasons leading the girls program. He is assisted by Andrew Connor, William Buelow, Kathleen Holmberg and Matt Callison.