Girls lacrosse
Amherst earns several postseason honors

Despite not advancing past the Class C Far West Regional, Amherst Central made their case as the best girls lacrosse team in Section VI.

The Lady Tigers, who lost 9-8 to Section V's East Rochester in regionals and were ECIC Division III, Section VI Class C champion and ranked tenth in New York State Class C according to laxpower.com, were recently honored with five selections on the All-Western New York first team.

Making the list were senior midfielder Jodi Battaglia, the school-record holder in career goals (209) and assists (110), junior midfielder Amy Simon (56 goals, 15 assists, 19 draw controls), senior defender Christine Domres, junior attacker Daisy Timlin (43 goals, 15 assists), and junior defender Meagan Hurley (40 ground balls).

Abbie Gowen, who broke the school's single-season record for most assists in a game (10), season (99), and points in a season (163), was an All-WNY honorable mention.

"This was a great season for our team," said Amherst coach Janet Battaglia, who was named WNY Coach of the Year. "Although losing in the regional game by a goal was disappointing to the girls, they can be proud of the fact that they truly outplayed the opponent and led for the majority of the game. The girls saved their best performance for the season-ending game. There are many people, past players and fans, myself included, who realized the accomplishment of this year's team.

"In past years, we saw our region take a thumping in the regional games, and this year we were a bona fide match," she continued. "Each year our team has left the next year's team with an aspiration and this team has truly made its mark and raised the bar. The realization now is that it does not get any easier."

Coach Battaglia said while much emphasis was placed on the regional loss, the true celebration was the quality of the season.

"Decisive wins over area opponents and quality competition against teams from out of the area made for one of the most exciting seasons yet," she said. "This was a great group of girls characterized by unselfish play and sense of team. Coach Kristy Grossman and I would like to compliment them for their hard work and success."

Jodi Battaglia was also named an All-American, marking the first time in school history that has been accomplished.

Jodi Battaglia, Gowen, Hurley, Domres, Simon, and Timlin were also named to the ECIC III first team. Brianne Burton, Elana Korn, Ellie Poleon, and Casey Martin earned ECIC III second team honors. Lily Timlin, Alexis Scime, and Ellen Janicki were honorable mention.

Jodi Battaglia, Kayla Brand, Burton, Sara Heidinger, Hurley, Janicki, Korn, Cydney Kramer, Taylor Manahan, Martin, and Lily Timiln were selected to the New York State Scholar-Athlete team. Danielle Pizzuto and Heidinger were US Lacrosse Academic All-American and WNY Scholar-Athletes.

Team awards went to Jodi Battaglia (MVP), Gowen (offensive MVP), Domres (defensive MVP), Burton (most improved player), Hurley and Korn (Tiger Award), and Daisy Timlin and Simon (Coach's Award).

Amherst celebrated a successful season at a team brunch at Sonoma Grille on June 10.

Here's a list of other girls lacrosse teams in the Town of Amherst who won postseason awards. Williamsville East's selections appeared in the June 20 Bee.

Williamsville North

Senior attacker Hillary Jacobson was an All-WNY Honorable Mention. She also made the ECIC Division I first team. Jacobson finished the season with a team-high 62 goals.

Midfielder Kelsey Mulvihill (32 goals) and defender Leanne Pinski made the second team.

Sweet Home

Senior goalie Danielle Holloway (65 save percentage) earned All-WNY Honorable Mention and along with classmate, midfielder Jessica Louttit, made the ECIC Division II first team.

Attacker Caitlin Colkitt (led team in goals (28), points (35), ground balls (64), and faceoffs) and defender Brianne Galli earned second team honors. Midfielder Marisa Kelly was an honorable mention.

Williamsville South

Midfielders Liz Gengo, Ashley Ferenczy, and Grace Dabedo were ECIC Division III honorable mention.

Sacred Heart

Senior and freshman attackers Jenny Harb and Mary Canty made the Monsignor Martin Association first team. Canty was second in the league with 28 goals.