South scratches, claws to victories
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The best way to describe Williamsville South's varsity girls soccer team's recent bunch of games has been heart-stopping.

Since losing to Williamsville East, 4-1, on Sept. 21 the Lady Billies have gone 3-0-1, three of which have gone to overtime.

In extra sessions, South beat Lake Shore, 2-1, on Sept. 25, tied Hamburg 0-0, last Wednesday, and beat West Seneca East, 2-1, last Friday.

"Cardiac is the best way to describe it," said South coach Kevin McNamara. "I had a laugh after Friday's game. They were head to toe with mud but just battled. It's kind of fun but it will benefit us in the long run. That's how playoffs are. They're close games."

Stephanie Lucey scored on a penalty kick seven minutes into overtime to lift South to victory over West Seneca East. Elizabeth Decker attacked in the 18-yard box and was taken down to set up Lucey's game winning penalty kick.

Callie Baty scored in the first half from eighth grader Pam Guerrero. West Seneca East tied it at 1-1 15 minutes into the second half.

Emily Novak scored the game-winner against Lake Shore with the assist from Sanna Jacobson. Freshman Sarah Marcus scored unassisted.

"We dominated the last 20 minutes of regulation and carried that into overtime," said McNamara. "I felt pretty good about going into overtime with them because we had been playing well at that point."

McNamara thought his team outplayed Hamburg but said his team just couldn't score. The Lady Billies also defeated Frontier, 2-0, on Sept. 29. Meghan Couche and Decker scored for South.

"We pretty much controlled the game," said McNamara. "They didn't have that many opportunities."

South's other game in the last two weeks was a 4-2 loss at Iroquois on Sept. 27. South led 2-1 at halftime and the Lady Chiefs used the wind to their advantage in the second half, scoring three goals for the win. Decker and Novak (Decker) scored.

South played the Lake Shore, Iroquois and Frontier games without Lucey, who suffered a quad injury against Iroquois. Carrie Connolly filled in at central defender in Lucey's absence, then returned to outside marking back when Lucey returned for the Hamburg game.

"It makes us solid again in the back," said McNamara, said of Lucey. "I don't have to play people in different spots. She helps keeps everything going away from our goal. She's our vocal leader and captain."

Decker leads South with seven goals. Novak has six goals followed by Marcus with 3 and Couche at 2.

"She's dangerous when she's on the field," said McNamara of Decker. "Whether she scores or not, she presents problems for other team's defenses."

The team has also gotten solid play from Jessica Sheehan.

McNamara is also impressed with first-year goalie Alyssa Ashcroft.

"Every game she is improving," said McNamara. I'm dumbfounded by how quickly she has picked up things," said McNamara. "Her punting is unbelievable and her decision making in the goal box has gotten better."

South (6-4-1, 4-3-1) hosts Sweet Home at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and travel to Williamsville East at 4:30 p.m. Friday. East won 4-1 on Sept. 21.

"I have no problem at all getting the kids ready for that game," said McNamara.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com