Lady Raiders bow in state field hockey semi

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 November 2019 at 3:10 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Lena Fazzolari passes the ball as Bronxville’s Sunday Ladas tries to defend. The action took place during the Lady Raiders loss to the Broncos this afternoon in the state Class C semifinals on the blue turf at Alden.

Unable to get untracked offensively, Barker dropped a 2-0 decision to Bronxville (Section I) in the semifinals of the state Class C field hockey championships this afternoon on the blue turf field at Alden High School.

Bronxville, which had a 14-0 advantage in shots and a 5-0 edge in penalty corner opportunities in the first half, scored what proved to be the game winner on a goal by Julia Widen with 10:55 to go in the half.

Barker’s Madison Gancasz tries to keep the ball away from Bronxville’s Hannah Bishop.

Controlling play throughout, the Broncos, which finished with a whopping 22-1 advantage in shots, later netted the clincher on another goal by Widen with 18:08 to go in the second half.

Barker had five corner opportunities in the second half but couldn’t capitalize as three of them came in the final flour minutes.

“It seemed like they had 15 players out there. They were just all over us,” said Barker Coach Jeff Costello. “They moved very well and passed the ball very well. We just struggled to get possession and when we did get opportunities we just couldn’t do much.”

Barker’s Katrina Clare was named to the Class C All-Tournament team.

Barker, which was appearing in the state semis for the second year in a row and the sixth time since 2000, finishes the season at 17-4.

Bronxville, which improves to 16-3-2, will now face Johnstown for the Class C title at 10 a.m. Sunday at Alden.  Johnstown nipped Carle Place 3-2 in the other semifinal scoring the game winner with just three seconds to go in the 7 on 7 10 minute overtime period.

(Click here to see video from some of the action during the second half of the game.)

Barker’s Serena Harris tries to split the Bronxville defense.

Barker’s Ciara Gregoire sends the ball away from a Bronxville defender.