Barker wins Class C semi in a shootout thriller

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Ashlin Cole scores the game winning goal in a shootout this afternoon as the Lady Raiders downed Eden in the Class C semifinal contest at Newfane.

No. 2 seed Barker needed a narrow 3-2 win in a shootout to nip No. 6 Eden 1-0 in the semifinals of the Section VI Class C field hockey playoffs this afternoon at Newfane.

Neither team could score during the 80 minutes of regulation play or in the two 10 minute 7 on 7 overtime periods setting the stage for the decisive shootout.

Eden took a quick 1-0 lead at the outset of the shootout on a goal by Hanna Barrett.

Barker evened the score on a goal by the Lady Raiders second shooter, Miya Goodale.

Barker then took a 2-1 lead as the Lady Raiders fourth shooter, Alexis Weeks, tallied.

However, Eden’s fifth and final shooter, Meeah Wegrzynowski, scored to retie the contest at 2-2.

That set up a dramatic finish as Barker’s final shooter, Ashlin Cole, scored to give the Lady Raiders a thrilling 3-2 shootout win and a trip to the finals.

Barker had a lopsided 13-1 advantage in corner opportunities on the day. However, Eden almost claimed the win but a shot in the final seconds of the first overtime period went just wide.

Barker will now play in the Class C championship game at West Seneca West at 7 p.m. next Wednesday against top seeded defending champion Akron which defeated No. 4 Roy-Hart 10-0 in the other semifinal.

Note: More pictures from today’s game will be posted on the Hub Sports Facebook page.

Barker’s Alexis Weeks tries to stop Eden’s Hailey Barrett.

Barker’s Miya Goodale goes for the ball as Meeah Wegrzynowski (3) and Hanna Barrett (22) come in to defend for Eden.