Barker wins field hockey regional in thriller

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 November 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Erin Greenwald (1) winds up to drive a shot past a diving East Rochester goalie Johannah Price for the winning goal this afternoon in the Lady Raiders 1-0 Far West Regional victory at Medina’s Vets Park.

Earning a trip to the state semifinals for the third time in four years, Barker edged past East Rochester 1-0 at Medina’s Vets Park this afternoon in the Class C field hockey Far West Regional.

Sophomore Erin Greenwald scored the game’s lone goal with just 5:54 remaining in the second half on a shot from right in front of the East Rochester cage off a nifty pass from junior Gabby Clare.

“Gabby just made a great pass and Erin scored a huge goal,” exclaimed Barker Coach Jeff Costello. “We had some good chances early off corners but couldn’t cash. Their goalie really came up big for them a couple of times.”

Barker, in fact, had a five to one advantage in corner opportunities in the first half but couldn’t finish.

The Lady Raiders kept the pressure on for much of the second half but East Rochester goalie Johannah Price came up with several big saves to keep Barker off the scoreboard including one clutch sliding stop.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Gabby Clare (12) drives the ball against East Rochester defender Mary Claire Houlihan as she gets set to pass the ball to Greenwald for the game winning shot on goal.

The Barker defense, anchored by sophomore goalie Caitlyn Mason and senior defender Heather Mason, did its part coming up with a big shutout effort. Caitlyn Mason had two key saves in the first half and Heather Mason led the way in turning back East Rochester’s last ditch rally attempt in the final minutes.

“That’s the best defensive performance by our kids this season,” said Costello.

In defeating East Rochester for the Far West title for the third time in four years, Barker advances to the state semifinals next Saturday at Cicero-North Syracuse. The Lady Raiders will face Section III champion Cazenovia, which blanked Hoosick Falls 2-0 this afternoon for the Central Region title.