WEEKEND ROUNDUP: Gators’ boys, girls soccer see split overtime outcomes in Section VI championships

WEST SENECA, NY – Making the trip to the Section VI Class B championship for the third time in as many years, the Allegany-Limestone boy’s soccer team retook the spot atop the throne, downing Lafayette International to bring home the banner. 

Throughout their journey to the final stage, the Gators had dominated the competition on both sides of the pitch, allowing just one goal through the past three contests while punching in nine goals. The defensive effort so far had been anchored by senior goalkeeper Donovan Booker, and against Lafayette, his continued persistence again held A-L together as defense became a mainstay.

Through the full 80-minutes and the first overtime period, the top two-seeded teams remained deadlocked in a battle back-and-forth across the pitch. Finally, in the second OT, the Gators broke through. Earning a corner, A-L sent the ball into the crowd, where freshman Colten Wilczewski settled and shot it for the title-winning goal. 

Advancing to the New York Public High School Athletic Association State Tournament, A-L will now look to take on the Section V winner on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at a time and place yet to be announced.

Girls Soccer

Akron 2, Allegany-Limestone 1, 2OT

BUFFALO, NY – After refusing to allow a goal throughout their playoff run, the Gators saw their season ultimately come to an end on the championship stage as Akron broke through the Green and Black wall, downing A-L in double overtime.

Meeting the second-seeded Tigers, the Gators initially found some breathing room, seeing Leea Kopp net the go-head goal on an assist from Kai Wojewoda-Ko in the third minute of the night. However, Akron answered back later in the first half, seeing Lexi Somers score 16 minutes later. 

With the game knotted at 1-1 at halftime, neither would find a way to add to the scoreboard in the next 50 minutes, producing a second 10-minute overtime period. 

Once there, Akron came up clutch. With a goal from Hannah Liss in the final minute, the Tigers had sealed their grip around the Section VI Class B title. Once again, A-L was sent home empty-handed. 

In goal fo the Gators, Kenna MacArthur ended with nine saves.