Lancaster girls lax snaps Amherst's win streak

The Amherst Central girls lacrosse team hadn't lost to a Section VI opponent since May 2005 but that all changed on Monday, April 21 at Lancaster.

The Lady Tigers lost to Lancaster, 13-6. Amherst won 15-2 over the Lady Redskins last year. Lancaster and Amherst have won section titles in Class A and C, respectively, for the past three years.

"We met up with a speedy and strong opponent determined to come out with the win," said Amherst coach Janet Battaglia.

Battaglia said the day after a disappointing loss against her team last year, Lancaster set in motion a plan to not let that happen again.

"They worked diligently in the offseason to accomplish that goal and have become a strong, dominant team in our area," said Battaglia. "They were faster and stronger and hungrier than we were. It is hard to beat a team with a common mission."

Lancaster jumped out to a 4-0 lead, and although Amherst nipped away at the difference, the Lady Redskins really never looked back.

With Lancaster up 6-1, Amherst chipped in two goals before halftime to make it 6-3. Abbie Gowen had a touch in each of the first half goals, scoring two of her own and finding Daisy Timlin for another tally.

The second half began with Lancaster scoring within the first minute. Amy Simon had a goal to ignite the Lady Tigers but Lancaster answered back with three straight goals to make it 10-4 before the Lady Tigers could find the back of the net again. Simon finished with two more goals in the half.

"Lily Timlin worked hard in this game," said Battaglia.

Battaglia said her team's defense had their hands full with Lancaster's quick 8-meter passing and strong finishes.

"Our midfield struggled with their defensive pressure and our attack was subdued by solid low defense," said Battaglia.

Goalie Ellie Poleon made five saves.

"Kudos to coach Buccieri and her team to realize and reflect what it takes to be so competitive," said Battaglia.

Amherst had won 35 games in Section VI since losing a league contest to East Aurora, 9-8, in May 2005.

"The run of local wins is an accomplishment and a sense of pride for our current team and those past teams," said Battaglia. "Hopefully, we as a team realize the effort and commitment it takes to rebound, and not take the success of the past for granted."

Amherst improved to 4-0 in ECIC Division III after defeating Eden, 18-2, on Wednesday at Eden and Iroquois, 20-8, on Friday at Iroquois.

Ten different Lady Tigers scored against Eden.

Sophia Junghyun Kim (three goals) and Jessica Turpin (two goals), Erin Edson (two goals) had a career high for goals. Lily Timlin chipped in with a goal and an assist. Stephanie Scime, Kelsey Battaglia and Sophie Neiscuir each had a goal. Ashley Zak had two back-to-back assists and Jenna Klein added an assist.

Defensively, Amherst played well behind the efforts of Karlene Kristich and Cyd Kramer. Poleon and Deanna Sinatra split time in the net.

Against Iroquois, the Lady Tigers were challenged to "go out and set the tone" and that is what they did, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first four minutes en route to a 13-3 halftime lead.

Meagan Hurley, Edson, Kramer, Casey McGuire and Elana Korn did a great job of holding off the Iroquois attack.

Gowen led Amherst with five goals and six assists. Daisy Timlin and Simon each chipped in four goals. Brooke Bullock added three goals. Kristin Scaringi and Lily Timlin each scored a goal with one helper. Neiscuir and Turpin each chipped in a goal. Kim tacked on one assist.

"The game demonstrated our strengths in controlling the ball when we play organized and together," said Battaglia. "Iroquois put on a diligent run in the second half where they scored four goals in nine minutes. They really outhustled us during this period of time."

Amherst (4-4) hosted Williamsville East on Tuesday but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. The Lady Tigers play at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at Springville.