South Glens Falls had an impressive start to their sectional debut, defeating Queensbury 9-0. After the game, the team wasted no time celebrating and instead focused on the challenges ahead. Led by Lillian Willis, who scored four goals, the Bulldogs improved their record to 17-0 and secured a spot in the Class B championship game of the Section II Field Hockey Tournament. They will face Burnt Hills, the top-seeded team, in a rematch of last year’s final.
Burnt Hills, with a record of 16-1, defeated Glens Falls 10-0 in the other semifinal. South High, the defending sectional champions, reached the state semifinals last year but fell short. Burnt Hills had a remarkable nine-year winning streak before 2022.
Despite not playing a game in two weeks, the Bulldogs showed no signs of rust. Willis scored on a penalty stroke just 3 minutes and 41 seconds into the game. Katie Morris and Ava Shirk also contributed goals, giving South High a 3-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Bulldogs capitalized on scoring opportunities and converted six penalty corners into goals. They have not lost to a Section II team since 2021 and have maintained an undefeated record on their home field for several years.
Coach Mary Ponda expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We controlled the pace, we controlled the ball, we controlled the game. We played solid defense when needed. We’re peaking at the right time and have been playing exceptional hockey all season long.”
South High has an impressive track record this season, defeating defending state champion Vestal, as well as out-of-section opponents Maine-Endwell and Nichols. The Bulldogs have not conceded a single goal in their last 12 games.
In addition to Willis, Rowan DeMarco, Morgan Parodi, and Mia Benincasa also found the back of the net for the Bulldogs. Willis, known for her playmaking abilities, had a rare four-goal performance. Coach Ponda praised her versatility, saying, “She’s the best player in the area, in my opinion. She not only scores but also distributes the ball effectively. She’s a true competitor and a key asset to our team.”
Despite some key injuries, the Spartans of Queensbury finished the season with a respectable 10-6-2 record. They faced a tough South High team three times and gave their all in every play, but luck was not on their side.
Stay updated with retired sportswriter and freelance writer Greg Brownell on Twitter: @glensfallsse.