Kendall posts shutout win in state semis

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 10 November 2018 at 4:12 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – With snowflakes coming down, Kendall’s Hailee Mitchell scores the first goal sparking the Lady Eagles to a stat Class D semifinal victory over Cincinnatus this afternoon at Homer High School near Cortland. The Cincinnatus defender is Montana Wolf.

Taking charge from the outset with goal in the first nine minutes, Kendall went on to blank Cincinnatus (Section III) 2-0 in the state Class D girls soccer semifinals this afternoon at Homer High School near Cortland.

The victory propels Kendall into the state championship game for the first time in program history as the Lady Eagles will take on Fort Ann in the title contest at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Thompkins Cortland Community College.

“I’m just so proud of the girls. They’ve made school history,” said Kendall Coach Pam Barchet. “The girls really came out strong and we really dominated with our speed. With that speed we were really able to work through their defense.”

Mitchell blasts in a big insurance goal for Kendall against Cincinnatus defender Kyla Sustad.

Kendall grabbed a quick 1-0 lead at the 31:55 mark when Hallee Mitchell found the Cincinnatus net with a low line drive shot that found its way through traffic.

“Getting that early goal really helped,” said Barchet. “That got the wind in our sails and set the tone.”

Continuting to put steady pressure on throughout the opening half, Kendall doubled its lead when Mitchell scored her team meaning 29th goal of the season on a hard high shot from 25 yards out with 4:19 to go before the half. The tally came off the Lady Eagles third corner kick opportunity of the half.

Kendall again kept up steady pressure throughout the second half and nearly scored again but had a shot rattle off the cross bar midway through the half.

Katherine Pearson made fives saves in goal for the Lady Eagles including one key diving stop 12 minutes into the first half.

Kendall now takes a 17-5 record into Sunday’s championship game against Fort Ann (Section II) nipped Parishville-Hopkinton 2-1 in overtime in the other semi.

Kendall advanced to the state semis by edging North Collins (Section VI) 1-0 in the Far Wet Regional while Cincinnatus nipped Downsville (Section IV) 1-0 in the Central Regional.

The loss was the first of the season for Cincinnatus which finishes at 19-1-1.

Kendall’s Olivia Reed advances the ball up field against Cincinnatus defender Montana Wolf.

The Lady Eagles had a very large crowd of enthusiastic rooters on hand.