North goes down fighting
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville North's Kate Curcio, right, moves past Clarence's Christine Warkenthien during the Lady Spartans' 7-6 Section VI Class A quarterfinal win on Tuesday, May 22. North would lose at Lancaster, 12-8, in a semifinal game on Thursday, May 24. Photo by Jim Smerecak Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Down 12-2 in the second half of its Section VI Class A semifinal game at Lancaster on Thursday, May 24, Williamsville North could have given up. Instead, the Lady Spartans fought back, scoring six unanswered goals to fall 12-8.

"We never gave up. That's all a coach can ask for," said North coach Erin Minnuto. "I would have been disappointed more if we didn't play hard, but we came back and worked together."

Senior Hillary Jacobson scored four times, concluding the season with 62 goals. Kelsey Mulvihill had a goal and assist and Caitlin Butler, Katie Dixson, and Lee Schreiner each scored once.

Goalie Courtney Peterson made 11 saves.

North played Lancaster after winning 7-6 at Clarence in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 22.

Butler tied the game at 6-6 with a little over two minutes remaining and scored the game-winning goal with 1:20 on an assist by Dixson. Minnuto said the Clarence defense moved to Dixson and left Butler open in front of the Clarence net to score. Butler finished the year with 29 goals.

"It was an exciting win," said Minnuto.

Jacobson scored three goals. Leeane Pinski and Maddi Genovese each scored a goal. Peterson stopped 17 of 23 shots.

North finishes 9-11. Nine seniors graduate, including starters Jacobson, Peterson, Pinski, Karri Gurbacki, and Kelly Battaglia.

Mulvihill was second on North in goals scored with 32.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com