South field hockey believes they can achieve
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South senior Ally Liebel races Clarence's Jessica Bledny for the ball during the Lady Billies' 2-0 home win last Wednesday. Liebel will help out on defense. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

There's a new motto this year for Williamsville South field hockey.

"Last year, the motto was 'best team ever,'" said South coach Mary Ferenczy. "This year, it's 'believe you can achieve.'"

South finished 11-4-2 in 2006 and lost in penalty strokes to Iroquois in the Section VI Class B semifinals, arguably its best season ever. However, several key starters graduated, namely All-Western New York first- and second-team picks, attacker Rachel DiNunzio and defender Claire Gerlach, respectively. Midfielder Liz Gengo, another key player, graduated.

The loss of these players has made Ferenczy change the way her team approaches the season.

"The biggest challenge is that we're looking at it more as a team approach," said Ferenczy. "We're going to need everyone contributing."

Ferenczy is going to need someone to step up on offense. DiNunzio was by far the team's best offensive weapon with 19 goals.

The next best returning goal scorer is junior center midfielder and play maker, Ashley Ferenczy, with two goals. Ashley and younger sister, freshman midfielder/ forward Alison, who coach Ferenczy said does well in offensive corners and has a solid drive and is developing a good shot, each have two assists this season. Both were alternates for the Western Region at this past summer's Empire State Games. Ashley Ferenczy, a returning ECIC Small School first-team pick, is co-captain with senior center back Darragh Kerr, who made the ESG Western team.

"We're looking for Darragh to solidify the defense and take an active role," said coach Ferenczy.

Senior Ally Liebel will also help to control the defense, said coach Ferenczy.

Senior defender Sarah Crane should also be in the mix.

Senior right winger Lauren Falzone has filled in some of the scoring with two goals this season. Falzone is a returning ECIC Small School second-team selection.

Other contributing players should be freshman midfielder Shannon Martin, sophomore left midfield/forward Kate Kurzanski, junior midfield/forward Sarah Hunt, sophomore right back Danielle Giancarlo and sophomore goalie Megan Hull.

Coach Ferenczy has high expectations for Hull.

"She's worked hard and has continued to improve her game," she said.

South is 1-0-1 after beating Clarence, 2-0, last Wednesday and tying Amherst, 0-0, last Friday.

Falzone opened the scoring for the Lady Billies against Clarence at the 20:30 mark of the first half off a hard centering cross by Ashley Ferenczy. Alison Ferenczy set up Falzone at 13:51.

Falzone also scored in a scrimmage with Williamsville East.

"As the season goes on, I think we could be right there," said coach Ferenczy. "I have high expectations for this group. If they continue to work as hard as they have been, we'll be able to come out on top."
South 2007 Schedule
9-12 East Aurora.......... 4:30 p.m.
9-14 at Holland ............ 4:30 p.m.
9-17 at Hamburg .......... 4:30 p.m.
9-19 Lancaster.............. 4:45 p.m.
9-21 Iroquois................. 4:30 p.m.
9-24 at Pioneer (Pioneer Middle
School) ............................... 5 p.m.
9-26 Orchard Park....... 4:30 p.m.
9-28 at Sweet Home.... 4:30 p.m.
10-1 at Starpoint .......... 4:30 p.m.
10-3 North..................... 4:45 p.m.
10-10 at W.S. East........ 4:30 p.m.
10-11 at East ................ 4:30 p.m.
10-15 W.S. West............ 4:45 p.m.
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com