Field Hockey
South snaps North's ECIC win streak

Williamsville North had won its last 35 ECIC field hockey games but that all came to an end last Friday in a 2-0 loss to Williamsville South.

South led 1-0 after the first half thanks to Robin Donovan's goal from a Rachel DiNunzio cross to the left post and Ashley Ferenczy put the Lady Billies ahead 2-0 in the second half from Donovan.

North hadn't lost a league game since a 2-1 defeat to Amherst on Sept. 27, 2004. Coming into the game, the Lady Spartans had shut out eight of its 10 opponents and allowed only two goals.

"It was just a thrilling victory," said coach Mary Ferenczy. "The girls were so excited. We are on the quest to make it the 'best season ever' and Friday's victory felt great. I compliment all my players for their determination and effort in the game."

With 15 minutes remaining, North threatened but South held strong.

"We knew North was going to rally back in the second half, so we played all out," stated Dinunzio, a team captain.

"South came to play and we did not finish our scoring opportunities," said North coach Kris Lapaglia.

Freshman Lady Billies goalie Meghan Hull was credited with her fourth shutout of the season, making many saves.

North (9-1) was without starters Chantae Miller (mononucleosis) and Kelsey Burke (broken thumb).

"I believe there is enough leadership on this team to keep us highly competitive," said Lapaglia. "You don't win games with one or two players. It takes a balanced team effort. That is the luxury of having such strong program."

South's other game last week was a 2-1 win on Thursday over Starpoint. The game pitted coach Ferenczy against her sister, Starpoint coach Barb Kreuzer.

South scored 12:45 into the first half when Donovan scored from Liz Gengo. Just before the end of the half, Lauren Falzone passed the ball through the top to DiNunzio who scored.

Starpoint answered back immediately with a goal by Lauren Bordonaro.

The game continued end to end and South held on for the victory.

South (7-3-2) hosts Williamsville East at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and West Seneca East at 5 p.m. Friday. They close out the regular season at 5 p.m. Wed., Oct. 18 at West Seneca West.

Besides its 10 league games, North recently lost 2-1 against two-time defending New York State Class B champs East Rochester.

"Our team at many times during the game played dominating hockey," said Lapaglia. "Both teams demonstrated a high level of turf skill which is ultimately what you need as you play at the higher level through sectionals, regionals and states."

North played at Williamsville East Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They travel to West Seneca West for a 4:45 p.m. start on Friday. Lapaglia expects her team to rebound from the South loss.

"Their expectations and goals have not changed with the loss," said Lapaglia. "Most teams will look at us as being vulnerable because we have not lost a league game since 2004 but my team has always been resilient in tough times. As I told them after the game last Friday, "the true character of this team will show up to our game against Williamsville East Tuesday. True champions can rebound after a loss."