State Soccer Champions!

Lady Panthers Are Co-Champs After Tough 0-0 Marathon
by Bea Peterson
After sailing to victory in the NYS Class C semi-final match on Saturday against Tully High School the Hoosick Falls girls soccer team, ranked #2 in the State, faced a formidable foe on Sunday. On Saturday Long Island’s Friends Academy, ranked #4, knocked off #1 Keshequa High School 3-2 to meet HF in the Championship game.
The Lady Panthers had beaten #3 Tully 4-0 on Saturday morning at Thompson-Cortland Community College. Tully’s season record was 20-0-1. Senior Captain Meg McKee upped her career total to 64 with a goal in this game. Alice Hayden had a goal, and Jordyn Haynes scored twice while Grace Delurey had three assists The shutout was the tenth clean sheet for goalie Hannah Fricke and her defense. Every player had time on the field.

This kind of courageous commitment by Hannah Fricke and her defense is what earned the Panthers their tenth clean sheet. Defender Alice Hayden, # 6, helps the keeper punish the opposing striker. Photo by Gail Delurey.

The final game was held at Homer High School field in Cortland. Coach Tom Husser said, “Our girls couldn’t have played any better.” He added, “They [Friends Academy] were better than us, but we had more heart.” Hoosick Falls hasn’t given up a goal in their last three games.

The intensity of the final game is etched on the faces of the competitors as the Panthers’ Grace Delurey powers upfield. Photo by Gail Delurey.

The marathon event lasted 110 minutes with four overtimes. “It was a fighter versus a boxer matchup,” said Husser. There are no penalty kicks to end a high school championship game, so the teams went home NYS co-champions. “It was a great game,” Husser said. “Even the State Commissioners said it was a good game with a good ending.” The star of the day was goalie Hannah Fricke. She had 15 saves. “She was phenomenal,” said Husser. “She made a bunch of great saves. Plus Alice Hayden, Emily Everard, Anna Restino, Liz Babson and Rachel Pine were awesome in defense.”
“A lot of teams dream of getting to the championship,” said Husser. “Only a few make it. We did. We’ve been unbeaten in our last 16 games.” The Hoosick Falls 2011 Class C State Girls Soccer Co-Champions are 20-1-2 for the season.

Senior Captain Maritza Gonzalez’s timing is perfect as she beats her opponent to a head ball. Allie Martin, #11, closes in. Photo by Gail Delurey.

Tired but happy together, Hoosick Falls Central School Girls Soccer players and coaches pose with their State Championship plaque and medals after the final game on Sunday. Photo by Gail Delurey.

It was chilly last Friday morning, November 18. Didn't matter. The enthusiasm for the school's two championship teams was hot. The walkway from the main entrance of the high school to the elementary main entrance was lined three deep with kids from kindergarten to grade 12 high-fiving and cheering their players. The girls were leaving for the semi-finals in Cortland. (Bea Peterson photo)

Back home, the Girls Soccer team enjoys a well earned celebration together. Photo by Gail Delurey.

Why we play. Photo by Gail Delurey.