Consistency on North's mind

With six regular-season games left, the Williamsville North girls soccer team is still looking for consistency.

The Lady Spartans currently hold an overall record of 5-4-2 and 3-2-2 in ECIC Division I. None of the losses have been by more than a goal, and they are currently outscoring their opponents 22-8.

North's strength most of the season has been from their defense, while offensively they have generated excellent scoring opportunities but sometimes fail to capitalize, said North coach Dan Greiner.

North battled to a 0-0 double-overtime tie with Orchard Park last Saturday. Earlier in the season, Orchard Park won a 1-0 half of a game that was called due to lightning.

"It was a game we really wanted, but sometimes things just don't work out," said Greiner. "The girls played very well and we had excellent scoring chances that just didn't find the mark."

"Our goal is to be playing the best soccer of the season by the time sectionals roll around," he added. "We have played well all season, but at times we just have difficulty capitalizing on our chances."

Meredith Kirby leads ECIC I with 10 goals. Greiner said other standouts on offense have been Kristi Putzig and Elana Lesse. The middle of the field has been controlled all season by Kristin Neese, Hannah Bachwitz, Molly Mitchell, Suzanne Jacobs and Katie Braisted, Greiner said.

Defensively, North has had outstanding play from Danielle Charbonneau, Kristin Boreanaz, Kelsey Mulvihill, Jenny Piaggione and Kelsey Johnston, Greiner said.

North's two goalies, Alexandra Nero and Courtney Ball, who have shared time when both are healthy, have also been consistent, Greiner said.

As North pushes towards the playoffs, they will be helped with the return of Shannon Algoe, who has spent most of the season sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

North played Frontier at Frontier on Monday and hosts West Seneca West on Wednesday and Lancaster on Friday.