Barker bests rival Akron to retain N-O field hockey championship

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Gabby Clare (12) brings the ball up field against Akron’s Cierra Janis (17) during the Lady Raiders N-O title clinching win over the host Lady Tigers this afternoon.

All of the scoring came in the final 15 minutes as Barker blanked host Akron 4-0 this afternoon to lock up outright possession of a ninth straight Niagara-Orleans League field hockey championship.

The victory keeps Barker perfect at 11-0 in N-O competition while runner-up Akron slips to 9-2.

Despite enjoying a 16-1 advantage in corners, Barker didn’t break onto the scoreboard until Melissa Grosshans tallied with just 15:57 remaining in the second half off assists from Erika Moeller and Gabby Clare.

That tally opened the floodgates as the Lady Raiders went on to put a lock on the win and the title by erupting for three more goals within a four minute span beginning with a score by Erin Greenwald with 7:16 remaining off assists from Clare and Kelsey Blackley.

Clare then rounded out the scoring burst with a pair of goals at the 5:38 and 3:07 marks.

Caitlyn Mason made three saves to earn the shutout in goal.

“The big difference was we turned it on in the second half and executed corners,” said Barker Coach Jeff Costello whose Lady Raiders are now 12-0-1 overall.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Melissa Grosshans (23) takes a shot on goal as Riley Guenther (9) defends for Akron.

Roy-Hart 3, Kenmore 2
Kelsey Eldridge, Mariah Rees and Samantha Gordon each scored a goal to earn Roy-Hart (3-9) a 3-2 victory over visiting Kenmore (5-6).

Newfane 2, Medina 0
Newfane (4-7) scored a goal in each half to edge visiting Medina (0-11) 2-0.

N-O Standings

Barker 11-0
Akron 9-2
Wilson 7-4
Kenmore 5-6
Newfane 4-7
Roy-Hart 3-9
Medina 0-11