Albion girls win Class B1 semi in overtime

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 November 2020 at 5:53 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion goalie Sydney Mulka leaps to make a big save during the Purple Eagles sectional semifinal win over visiting Depew this afternoon.

Making it two overtime playoff wins in a row No. 6 seed Albion outlasted visiting No. 7 Depew 4-1 in the semifinals of the Section VI Class B1 girls soccer playoffs this afternoon.

Breaking away from a 1-1 deadlock, Albion scored what proved to be the game winning goal on a breakaway by Abby Scanlan just 45 seconds into the first of two 10 minute overtime periods off an assist from Leah Pritchard.

Albion’s Ryan Olles drives around Depew’s Zoe Harris.

The Purple Eagles then got a little breathing room when Scanlan scored on another breakaway goal with 2:30 to go in the period as Pritchard again earned the assist.

Albion made the final 4-1 when Kailey Merrill scored with just 19 seconds to go in the second 10 minute overtime period off an assist from Scanlan.

“I’m just so proud of them. This team has just worked so hard,” said Coach Maggie Orbaker whose Purple Eagles edged Springbville 2-1 in overtime in the quarterfinals on Monday. “It took us a while to get going but when we did we did OK. We’ve had so many close games this season I think that helped us.”

Depew jumped out to a 1-0 lead midway through the first half on a goal by Maddi Rogowski.

Albion though answered back with the tying goal by Scanlan with 8:53 to go in the half off an assist from Nikki Creasey.

Neither team could then find the range in the 40 minute second half.

Improving to 9-3, Albion will next visit top seeded undefeated (13-0) East Aurora for the Class B1 championship at 11 a.m. Saturday. East Aurora downed Tonawanda 5-1 in the other semi.

It marks the third time in the last four years that Albion has advanced to the sectional finals.

In a Class B2 semifinal Wilson defeated Eden 3-1.