Kenmore West eliminates Sweet Home in prequarters

Amherst Central's Casey Carr (8) battles with a Hamburg player for the ball during the Lady Tigers' 1-0 Section VI Class A prequarterfinal home win on Monday. Photo by Joe Eberle

Sweet Home's girls soccer season ended with a 1-0 shutout to Kenmore West on Monday in the Section VI Class A prequarterfinals.

The game remained scoreless for the first 72 minutes. Kenmore West was awarded a free kick from about 45 yards out. The ball was crossed in and the Lady Blue Devils finished a great header just past Sweet Home goalkeeper Angela Williamson.

Kayla Lyons hit the crossbar with about two minutes to play for the Lady Panthers but were unable to finish the rebound.

"The game was a story of two halves," said Sweet Home coach Scott Martin. "I felt we really dominated the first half and had three or four really good scoring opportunities. On the other hand, they dominated the second and were able to finish a very timely goal."

"We had a very young team this year, and I am proud of how much we improved," he added. "This was a very important year for our ninth and tenth graders. I can't thank our seniors enough. We had great leadership this year and they have really had an impact on our underclassman. Our seniors Kayla Lyons, Rebecca Schnirel, Angie Stark and Caitlin Colkitt will be missed, however their contributions will always be remembered."

Martin said the season has been a great learning experience.

"I look forward to next season when we return 15 of our 19 players," said Martin. "I will be expecting that Angela Williamson and Laura Nerber will pick up where Lyons and Schnirel left off and lead our program as it continues to grow. Both Williamson and Nerber will be entering their fourth season as varsity players next year."

Amherst Central

The Lady Tigers (7-7-1) have a date with Grand Island on Wednesday after beating Hamburg, 1-0, at home on Monday in the Section VI Class A prequarterfinals.

Freshman Stephanie Scime scored the only goal of the game from sophomore Ali Rogers.

Goalie Casey McGuire made nine saves for the shutout.

Leading Amherst on the defensive side was sophomore sweeper Paula Jones, along with senior Ellen Janicki, sophomore Mikeala Maddock and junior Ariella Korn.

Consistent distribution from midfielder Sarah Lasker and Casey Carr and play from attackers Abbie Gowen, Meagan Hurley and Ali Rogers also contributed towards the win.