Clarence ends North's repeat bid in shootout

Williamsville North's Hillary Jacobson (3) heads for the ball while a Clarence player is in pursuit during the team's 2-1 Section VI Class AA semifinal loss Saturday at Amherst High School. Photo by Joe Eberle

Williamsville North's defense of the Section VI Class AA girls soccer championship came to an end Saturday at Dimp Wagner Stadium at Amherst Central High School.

North was defeated by ECIC Division I rival Clarence, 2-1, in the semifinals. Clarence won 5-4 in a shootout.

It took 80 minutes of regulation time, 30 minutes of overtime and 14 penalty kicks to decide the winner.

During regulation play, North scored ten minutes into the second half to go up 1-0 on a beautiful goal by sophomore Elana Lesse. Clarence's Krista Reicis scored the equalizer 15 minutes later.

The two teams battled in overtime with North controlling play, but not finishing their opportunities. It was a back and forth contest that pitted two strong teams against each other.

"It was a shame that the game couldn't be decided on the field," said North coach Dan Greiner after the game. "This was a great game to be a part of and I couldn't be happier with the effort that the girls gave today. This is one of those games where players should walk off the field knowing they left everything they had out there and that they represented themselves and their school with pride."

North made it into the semifinals after a 2-1 double overtime win in the quarterfinals over Jamestown.

The Lady Spartans were lifted to victory off a Shannon Algoe goal with five minutes left in the second overtime.

North travelled to Jamestown on Wednesday for an evening match-up on a field that was partially underwater. Both teams overcame field conditions to play a well-fought contest.

"It was a back and forth game in which we were able to prevail," said Greiner. "Both teams had great opportunities. We just had that little something extra to get us over the top," Greiner stated.

North finished 10-5-3.

Rachel Goldstein, Nicole Loiacano, Lauren Howell, Kirby Kinda and captains Hillary Jacobson, Leeanne Pinski, Karrie Gurbacki and Jillian Piaggione are seniors.

"These seniors have all been great leaders and helped the program progress," said Greiner. "They will be missed."