Amherst field hockey clinches division, wins playoff game

It's not very often a field hockey team records a victory with no shots on goal or offensive corners but that was the case for Amherst Central against Pioneer in the Section VI Class B quarterfinals last Saturday.

After 60 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute seven aside overtimes, the score remained 0-0 which led to a shootout.

In a field hockey shootout, each team chooses five strokers to go against the opposing team's goalie. Amherst's five strokers were Sara Heidinger, Robin Mc- Donald, Becca Masters, Christine Domres and Jordan Aprile.

Heidinger was stopped by Pioneer goalie Hillery Duman but McDonald, Masters and Domres (game-winner) scored for Amherst in a 3-2 win. It was the team's first game in 12 days.

"Coach LeGoff and I are very proud of the girls and their play on Saturday," said Amherst coach Jennifer Higgins. "To go into a triple OT game after such a long layoff shows the dedication and commitment of this team. The seniors realize that this could have been their last game of their high school field hockey career. Our seniors came through for us in the end. They realize the rich tradition of success that Amherst field hockey has and wanted to carry that tradition on."

Higgins said Amherst goalie Abbe Hogle was the difference in the game with nine saves during regulation play and 11 overall.

"She was our MVP," she said.

Christine Domres also played outstanding defense.

"Christine stopped many Pioneer attack players dead in their tracks with her great anticipation and step-ups," said Higgins.

Becca Masters was also a key defensive player, sending many strong drives to our attackers and midfielders, added Higgins.

Higgins said Anna Haumesser came through on defense as well, containing the Pioneer forwards who had scored 11 goals the previous day in a pre-quarter game.

Sara Heidinger and Brittany Horvath did an excellent job controlling the midfield where the preponderance of play occurred (between the two 25-yard lines), Higgins added.

Sophomore Jordan Aprile appearing in her first sectional game was all over the field, Higgins said.

"She made many good decisions to keep the ball in our possession," said Higgins.

Amherst played Medina in the Class B semifinals on Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. Amherst beat Medina, 5-0, in last year's semifinals.

Heading into the playoffs, Amherst won the Class B division with a 9-2-1 record. Their wins came over Wilson, West Seneca East, West Seneca West, East Aurora, Clarence, Hamburg, Iroquois, Holland, and Pioneer. Its two losses were to Williamsville South and Starpoint. Amherst also tied Orchard Park.

Amherst had six games cancelled because of the October snowstorm. The team's last game was a 2-1 victory against Pioneer on Oct. 10.

"Pioneer has a lot of speed and skill contrary to their record," said Higgins. "Pioneer dominated the first half of play."

In the first half, Amherst's Alyssa Pantano received a clear from Hogle and carried the ball 75 yards down the right side of the field to set up the team's first score. Pantano sent a beautiful ball in front of the goal and Mc- Donald netted her eighth goal of the season.

Ten minutes into the second half, Pantano set up Sara Heidinger on an offensive corner to take the 2-0 lead. Heidinger scored her second goal of the season, the team's fifth goal on a corner.

Pioneer added a goal with 10:23 remaining.