For the second consecutive year, the Adirondack United girls’ hockey team has made it to the NYSPHSAA regional championship game, a remarkable achievement considering the team is only in its second year of existence.
Following their victory over Section 1’s North Avalanche in a subregional match on Wednesday, the United journeyed to the Nexus Center in Utica on Friday. Their opponents were Section 3’s Skaneateles, in the regional semifinals.
After a slow start, the United found their rhythm in the second period, securing a 6-1 win and a spot in the NYSPHSAA regional championship.
“Our hard work and dedication have led us to this championship game,” said Adirondack coach Jeff Willis during a phone interview. “Our team entered the season with a single-minded focus - to win the state championship. They’ve been working towards this goal since November.”
The United set the tone early with a goal from Bayley Duffy in the opening minute, and they maintained their lead throughout the game.
“Despite our early lead, we never felt at ease,” Willis admitted. “The first period saw a lot of back-and-forth play. Skaneateles matched our energy level, and we struggled to gain a foothold in their offensive zone.”
However, the United turned the tide in the second period, scoring three goals and taking command of the game.
Gianna Marcantonio was the first to score in the second period for the United, followed by Aubrey Lozier, and then another goal from Duffy.
“We started the second period strong, with our forecheck right where we wanted it to be. We fired 21 shots and scored three goals,” Willis said. “That’s exactly how we wanted to establish our dominance.”
In the third period, Marcantonio scored her second goal of the game, while Lillian Willis added the final touch with less than two minutes left.
“Our second line had an outstanding game,” Jeff Willis said. “Gianna Marcantonio scored two goals and Aubrey Lozier added one. We’re not a team that relies on a single player. While Bayley’s stats are impressive, we have a host of confident scorers on this team.”
The United will face Kenmore-Grand Island from Section 6 in the NYSPHSAA regional championship at noon tomorrow, also at the Nexus Center in Utica.
With a flawless 17-0 record, the United are on the brink of a state title. However, they face the challenge of playing their third game in four days on Saturday.
“That’s a concern,” Willis admitted. “I’m encouraging everyone to get a good night’s sleep tonight, as we have a quick turnaround at noon tomorrow. I also tried to rest the first and second line in the last five minutes of the game.”
In their semifinal on Friday, Kenmore/Grand Island secured their place in the championship game with a 4-2 win over Canton.
Skaneateles 0 0 1 — 1
Adirondack United 1 3 2 — 6
Scoring for Skaneateles: Marquardt 1-0; Barron 0-1; Major 0-1. Scoring for ADK: Duffy 2-0; Marcantonio 2-0; Lozier 1-0; Willis 1-0; K. Duffy 0-2; Fine-Lease 0-1; M. Macaulay 0-1; E. Macaulay 0-1. Goalies: Skaneateles, Coffey, 38 saves. United, Reynolds, 19 saves.
Adirondack United girls’ hockey team has worked hard for this opportunity and they deserve another shot at the state championship.
Agree – They’ve earned it! Good luck to the Adirondack United girls’ hockey team in the state championship!
They have the skills to win it all this time! #statechampionship #AdirondackUnited #girlshockey