Lady Spartans soccer stops Lancaster

Williamsville North's only game last week was a 1-0 road win last Thursday at Lancaster High School.

The win was the Lady Spartans' ninth consecutive win and improved their record to 8-0 in ECIC Division I girls soccer play and 10-2 overall.

Williamsville North took to the attack right from the start as they effectively moved the ball around, got everyone involved and had the edge in possession time to set up numerous scoring opportunities.

The Lady Spartans received good looks from forwards Nikki Charboneau and Elana Lesse and midfielders Hannah Bachwitz and Suzy Jacobs, who continued to attack the Lancaster defense, along with Molly Mitchell, Kelsey Johnston, Marissa Barbalato and Alexis Koral in the midfield, who sent in some nice crosses in front of the Lancaster goal only to be turned away by the defense and goalkeeper.

Williamsville North looked to score before the half ended as a couple of shots also found the goal post, but they were denied as the game remained scoreless.

The second half saw the home team start to rally as they started to gain confidence as play went back and forth, but the Williamsville North defense of Jenny Piaggone, Danielle Charboneau and Kristin Bareanaz were up to the task as they controlled any loose balls and passed up to the forwards or midfielders looking to counter the other way.

Williamsville North goalie Alex Nero communicated well with her defense and came up with two big saves to keep Lancaster from taking the lead as the game moved down to the last 10 minutes of play.

Williamsville North kept up the attack and their efforts finally resulted in a goal. Kristi Putzig drilled a shot on net and the Lancaster goalkeeper made a nice save but was unable to hang on to the ball. Alexis Kroese followed up the shot, picked up the loose ball and slid it into the net.

With the lead and the momentum, Williamsville North worked hard to keep the lead and added another midfielder as Katie Braisted helped keep the ball out of the defensive end and in the Lancaster half of the field.

Williamsville North played Clarence on Monday, but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at 4:45 p.m. on Friday at West Seneca West.