Holley nips Pembroke in OT sectional thriller

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Kayden Servais, who scored the game winning goal, here takes a shot as Cyle Felski comes in to defend for Pembroke during the Hawks double overtime sectional victory this evening.

In a wild finish, No. 3 seed Holley scored with only three seconds remaining in the second 15 minute overtime period to nip visiting No. 6 Pembroke 2-1 this evening in the quarterfinals of the Section V Class C-1 boys soccer playoffs.

Holley sent everyone crashing to the net on the play which started with a corner by Andrew Moseman. In the wild scramble which ensued Kayden Servais was credited with scoring the goal off an assist  from Matt Wilson.

Holley’s Matt DeSimone battles for control of the ball with Pembroke’s Casey Shaw during the host Hawks overtime sectional win this evening.

“Everyone was up there crashing,” said Holley Coach Dan Orbaker. “It’s wonderful for the boys. It’s pretty good to get that ‘W'”.

Holley grabbed a 1-0 lead early in the first half as Erik Balys scored off an assist from Moseman.

However, Pembroke battled back to knot the contest on a goal by Sunny Kittisack with 18:03 remaining in the second half.

Regulation play ended deadlocked at 1-1 and neither team could score in the first 15 minute overtime.

However, the action picked up in the second overtime.

First, Holley had one shot rattle off the cross bar and another just miss the net off a corner.

Pembroke answered back with strong pressure as Holley goalie Patrick Bower had to make two clutch diving saves in the final four minutes  before the Hawks finally scored the game winner in the final three seconds.

The Hawks and Dragons had played to a pair of one goal decisions during the Genesee Region League season. Each team won on their home field as Pembroke took the first 3-2 in overtime and Holley the second 1-0.

The victory advances Holley, whih improves to 9-5-3, to the semifinals next Wednesday against No. 2 Williamson which downed No. 7 Marcus Whitman 6-0 .

Holley’s Andrew Moseman brings the ball up field as DeSimone supports and Pembroke’s Patrick Wolford is along side.