Archive: Sports

Not a cold October day, nor an opponent who had seen them three times previously would prove to be a barrier. There would be no stopping the #1 team in Class B girls soccer as they quest for their third straight Section IV crown. On wednesday afternoon the girls from Lansing beat for the fourth this season rival Dryden 4-0 in the Section IV semi-final at Sobus field.

The win sets up championship rematch from a year ago with number one seeded Chenango Forks, a 2-0 winner in their semi-final against Susquehanna Valley. The game is scheduled to be played on the turf at SUNY Cortland at 11am this Saturday.

Sophomore Kathryn Hornibrook got the Ladycats on the board in the 8th minute after a Lansing corner kick fell to her just inside the penalty area. For the next 16 minutes, the girls once again dominated the midfield with ruthless efficiency and gave Dryden minimal access to open passing lanes, thus limiting any real chance of counterattacks.

Second leading scorer  junior Ellyn Grant- Keane banged in  her 35th goal of the season in the 23rd minute after a rebound off a shot by Rachael Palladino hit the post.  That goal sent the home team into halftime with what would be an insurmountable lead.

As so often the case this season, the 'Cats came out blazing at the start of the second half. After a quick combination on the left wing, Grant-Keane found senior Megan Palladino at the back post for an easy tap in in the first minute for the third goal of the game for the home side. It was the seniors 16th goal of the year as she is enjoying her best offensive season to date. Palladino, a former All-State defender has been dominant in the middle of the field this year.

It took the 'Cats less than six minutes to take away any hopes of a Dryden comeback.  Once again it was the lightning quick, ultra precise passing game that led to the fourth and final goal of the game.  The move started on the left side of the Lansing defense and after three passes down the wing, Grant-Keane was again provider as she found streaking Hornibrook on the far post. With cool calmness, #25 tucked in her 31st of the year.

The Ladycat defense and keeper MC Barrett kept Dryden away from any real scoring chances in limiting the Lions to three shots on goal. It was the teams 16th shutout of the year. The win gives the girls their second consecutive 20 win season which ties the the school record.

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