Barker tops Medina in N-O field hockey opener; Roy-Hart, Akron gain shutout wins

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Emily Wagner tries to put a shot past Medina goalie Alissa Blount during the host Lady Raiders season opening win this afternoon. Moving in on the play are Barker’s Katrina Clare (20) and Ciara Gregoire (21) along with Medina’s Sophia Cardone (4), Lacey Kenward (2) and Abi Neuman (24).

Pulling away in the second half, Barker posted a 7-2 victory over visiting Medina this afternoon in a season opening Niagara-Orleans League field hockey game.

In the other N-O openers, Roy-Hart blanked Kenmore 4-0 and Akron shutout Wilson 2-0.

Katrina Clare brings the ball up field for Barker as Lacey Kenward defends for Medina.

Leading by a narrow 2-1 margin at the half, Barker quickly opened a little breathing room when Rachel Hurtgam scored just 56 seconds into the second half.

The Lady Raiders then broke the contest wide open by erupting for four quick goals in a span of less than nine minutes beginning with a tally by Katrina Clare at the 20:09 mark. In rapid succession Natalie Bruning, Madison Gancasz and Hurtgam then took turns scoring to up the advantage to 7-1.

Barker had jumped out to a 2-0 lead at the outset on goals by Clare and Ciara Gregoire.

Medina did cut the deficit to 2-1 when Abby Blount scored with 12 minutes to go in the half but the Mustangs could not net the equalizer before the half.

The Mustangs other goal was scored by Libby Cook in the final seconds of the second half.

Roy-Hart 4, Kenmore 0
Lexie Lovewell and Ashley Hill each scored two goals for Roy-Hart as Jamie Bower earned the shutout in goal.

Akron 2, Wilson o
Olivia Diebel scored what proved to be the game winner for Akron early in the first half. She later assisted on an insurance goal by Alexis Bell early in the second half.  Ashley Reiner earned the shutout in goal.

Medina’s Abby Blount works the ball up field ahead of of Barker defender Kaedynce Schumacher.