Contributed Photo – Roy-Hart’s first team Niagara-Orleans All-League volleyball honorees include, from left, Lila Brigham, Ella Martillotta and Raegan Kern.

A trio of players from Roy-Hart, along with two each from champion Akron and Wilson, comprise the first team of the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League volleyball squad.

Roy-Hart is represented by juniors Ella Martillotta and Lila Brigham along with sophomore Raegan Kern.

Akron’s first team honorees Sloan Jonathan, left, and Shanna Thomas

Martillotta had 158 assists, 73 digs, 40 aces, 23 kills and 2 blocks; Brigham 69 digs, 56 kills, 26 assists, 17 aces and 5 blocks and Kern 66 kills, 36 digs, 28 aces, 11 assists and 4 blocks.

Akron, which captured the N-O title with a 9-1 record, has placed the senior duo of Sloan Jonathan and Shanna Thomas.

Jonathan, who has been named N-O Player of the Year, had 141 assists, 99 digs, 65 kills, 55 aces and 3 blocks. Thomas had 129 digs, 15 assists and 2 kills.

Wilson is represented by senior Cait Cliffe, who is the lone repeat first team honoree, and junior Riley Robinson.

Three Newfane players head the second team including senior MyKayla Schultz, junior Kendall Hoffer and sophomore Kimberly Schmitt.

Wilson’s first team honorees Cait Cliffe, left, and Riley Robinson.

Albion is represented by senior Madison Hughson and junior Taylor LeFrois.

Medina has placed the senior duo of Ki’Mani Poole and Lorelei Sanders.

Rounding out the second team is Akron junior Riley Doctor.

Players receiving Honorable Mention include (listed by school):

Akron – Ashlee Henning (Sr.)

Medina – Kelsey Lemoi (Sr.) and Samantha Heschke (Fr.)

Newfane – Abigail Bommelje (Jr.), Lauren Enderton (Jr.) and Alexis Rutherford (Jr.)

Roy-Hart – Grace Pearl (Soph.), Elliana Brauen (Sr.) and Emily Livergood (Jr.)

Wilson – Donna Clark (Soph.), Aleena Adamczyk (Jr.), Izzy Behnke (Jr.) and Lyla Adamczyk (Soph.)

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Samantha Bates goes over the top of Waterford-Halfmoon goalie Maddy Atwood who makes the save as Alex Phelps (24) comes in to support. The action took place during the state Class C semifinal game this afternoon at Homer High School.

A magical, history making run came to an end this afternoon as Holley dropped a 3-0 decision to Waterford-Halfmoon (Section II) in the state girls soccer Class C semifinals at Homer High School.

All of the scoring came in the second half as Payton Galuski scored her 41st goal of the season for what proved to be the game winner for Waterford-Halfmoon just 1:21 into the half on a breakaway.

Holley came battling right back with what proved to be the Lady Hawks best scoring opportunities of the afternoon.

Waterford-Halfmoon goalie Maddy Atwood kicked away one shot but Holley’s rebound attempt bounced off the cross bar and a second rebound shot into the net but was disallowed at the 35 minute mark.

Keeping the pressure on, the Lady Hawks had two more shots sail just wide at the 27 and 22 marks but could not connect.

After successfully holding off that challenge, Waterford-Halfmoon quickly answered back with a goal by Addyson Galuski, her 28th of the season, off an assist from her sister Payton, at the 22:04 mark to open up aa little breathing room.

The Fordians finally put a lock on the win and a trip to the state finals when Cassidy McClement scored her 19th goal of the season with 8:30 remaining.

“We had several opportunities, just couldn’t capitalize on them,” said Holley Coach Renee Wolf. “The best part about it is they didn’t give up even when they were down. That says a lot about their growth this season.”

In the first half defensive battle, Waterford-Halfmoon had a 3-2 edge in corner kick opportunities and also had the best scoring opportunity when a header just missed at the 22 minute mark.

Holley finishes the season at 19-4 while Waterford-Halfmoon will take a 19-1-2 record into Sunday’s Class C title game against Mount Academy (Section IX) which shutout Sauquoit Valley (Section III) 3-0.

State Class C Field Hockey Semifinals
Carle Place 1, Akron 0 Overtime

Carle Place (Section VIII) scored a goal in overtime off a corner opportunity to nip Akron 1-0 in the state Class C field hockey semifinals this morning at Centereach on Long Island.

Holley’s Jailyn Bishop works to keep the ball away from Waterford-Halfmoon’s Addyson Galuski.

Leigha Walker brings the ball up field for Holley ahead of Waterford-Halfmoon’s Mia O’Brien.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Noah Cudzilo pushes away Salamanca defender Kyle Lecceardone during the Mustangs Class C title loss to the Warriors at Highmark Stadium this afternoon.

A big second half scoring surge powered Salamanca to a 36-23 victory over Medina in the Section VI Class C championship game this afternoon at Highmark Stadium.

Trailing by two, 16-14, at the half, Salamanca outscored Medina 22-7 in the second half to advance to the state playoffs as two of the Warriors touchdowns during that decisive uprising came after failed Medina fourth down gambles in Mustangs territory.

After a sea-saw first half, Salamanca regained the lead for good at 17-16 on a 25 yard field goal by Arien Newark just 2:17 into the third quarter.

The Warriors then got the ball right back in excellent field position as Cory Holleran intercepted a Mustangs fourth down pass attempt at the Medina 28.

Medina’s Kole Campbell is tackled by Salamanca’s Warrick Kyler (60) and Maddox Isaac (11) after making a first quarter interception.

It took just one play for the Warriors offense to capitalize as Maddox Isaac threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to Lucus Brown to up the Salamanca lead to 23-16 with 7:56 to go in the third period.

The Salamanca lead soared to 30-16 before the quarter ended as Jaxon Ross scored on a 4 yard TD run and Newark tacked on the extra point kick.

Medina though quickly came battling back as quarterback Julian Woodworth hooked up with Kaedon Cleveland for big pass completions of 28 and 31 yards and Christian Moss capped off the drive with a 3 yard TD run with 20 seconds to go in the high scoring quarter. Callard added the extra point kick to cut the deficit to 30-23.

However, the Mustangs could get no closer.

Salamanca put a lock on the victory when Ross hooked up with Brown for a 49 yard touchdown pass play with 8:55 to go in the fourth quarter upping the Warriors lead to 36-23.

The clinching TD pass came on the first snap after Medina had failed on a fourth down gamble at the Mustangs 49 yard line.

“Hats off to Salamanca. They had a heck of a game plan,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley. “They got some big chuck plays on us offensively and wore us down a bit in the second half.”

The sea-saw first half saw four lead changes and finished with Medina holding a slender 16-14 lead on a 26 yard field goal by Callard with just 5 seconds to go. A 21 yard run by Moss and a 14 yard Woodworth to Cleveland pass completion set up that scoring opportunity.

Medina also got on the scoreboard first as Woodworth scored on a 1 yard run with 2:06 remaining in the opening quarter but the extra point attempt failed. Runs of 18 yards by Moss and of 16 and 11 by Noah Cudzilo keyed that drive.

An interception by Kole Campbell at the Medina 31, which stopped Salamanca’s first drive, sparked the Mustangs scoring drive.

The Medina lead though lasted just 18 seconds as on Salamanca’s first snap Isaac connected with Zachary Trietley for a 61 yard TD pass play. Newark added the PAT kick to put the Warriors up 7-6.

It marked the first time all season that the Mustangs had trailed.

Medina regained the lead at 13-7 on a 17 yard Woodworth to Cudzilo TD pass and a Callard PAT kick with 8:47 to go in the second quarter. A 17 yard pass from Woodworth to Brody Fry and a 16 yard run by Moss highlighted the drive.

The sea-saw battle continued as Salamanca regained a 14-13 lead six minutes later on an 11 yard TD run by Isaac and a PAT kick by Newark.

The Mustangs regained the lead for what proved to be the last time at 16-14 just before the half on Callard’s field goal.

However, Medina could not keep the momentum in the second half as Salamanca rallied with a big 22-7 scoring edge to claim a second VI title for the first time since 2001.

The Warriors advance to next weekend’s Far West Regional with a 9-2 record.

Medina, which was making its second Highmark Stadium title game appearance in three years, finishes at 10-1.

Medina’s Christian Moss breaks through the line as Salamanca’s Kyle Lecceardone (13) and Carmine Hoag (4) attempt to make the tackle.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Holley goalie Layne Walker and her Lady Hawks teammates will make their first appearance in the state Class C semifinal on Saturday.

Heading into this weekend across New York State only four Class C girls soccer teams are still playing – and one of the is Holley.

Entering the state Final Four for the first time, Holley will face Waterford-Halfmoon (Section II) in the state semifinals at noon Saturday at Homer High School near Cortland.

The Lady Hawks bring a 18-3 record into the semis while Waterford-Halfmoon, which blanked Northern Adirondack 4-0 in the Capital District Regional, is 18-1-2.

“They will be a solid team. They have similar stats as Bergen as far as goal scoring goes. I’ve watched a lot of film, they play similar to us,” said Holley Coach Renee Wolf. “Should be a great game, we are looking forward to it.”

The victor will advance to the championship game at 10 a.m. Sunday at Homer against the winner of the other semifinal between Mount Academy (Section IV) and Sauquoit Valley (Section III).

It has truly been a postseason of firsts for the Lady Hawks which captured a first ever Section V state qualifier win with a 3-2 overtime victory over Genesee Region League foe Byron-Bergen and then claimed a first ever Far West Regional title with a 2-0 win over Section VI champion Frewsburg.

Waterford-Halfmoon, which has outscored its opponents 132-16, is led offensively by the quartet of Payton Galuski, an 8th grader with 40 goals and 16 assists, senior Addyson Galuski 27 goals and 14 assists, sophomore Mia O’Brien 21 goals and 13 assists and senior Cassidy McClement 18 goals and 20 assists.

Holley’s offense has been spearheaded by senior Samantha Bates who has 29 goals and 10 assists. In all, the Lady Hawks have received goal scoring contributions from no less than 15 players including senior Jailyn Bishop (11 goals, 13 assists), senior Emma Brady (9 goals, 9 assists), senior Bella Thom (5 goals, 7 assists). senior Leigha Walker (4 goals, 3 assists), junior Alivia Wolf (4 goals, 6 assists), junior Zoey Wolf (4 goals, 2 assists). freshman Mia Thom (3 goals, 4 assists), eighth grader Hanna Ostrom (2 goals, 7 assists), junior Alexia Renner (2 goals, 4 assists). senior Alyssa Wright (2 goals, 2 assists), junior Natalie Foose (1 goal, 4 assists), senior Caitlin Dobri (1 goal, 2 assists), senior Ryleigh Weader (1 goal) and junior Mackenzie Fiorito (1 goal).

Anchoring the Holley defense has been senior goalie Layne Walker, who has a goals against average of 0.71, along with defenders Bella Thom, Leigha Walker, Zoey Wolf and Alivia Wolf.

The student body will give the team a big sendoff this afternoon with a pep assembly in the gymnasium.

Fans are remined that tickets must be purchased on-line in advance.

To obtain tickets click here

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s team captains, from left, Marissa Brege, Morgan Tomporowski, Julia Klodzinski and Olivia McClaine will lead the Tigers into Saturday’s Class C state semifinal.

Advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 2017, Akron will face Carle Place (Section VIII) in the state Class C field hockey semifinals at 10 a.m. Saturday at Centereach on Long Island.

Akron, which has featured a stingy defense and a balanced offense, advanced by downing East Rochester 3-0 in the Far West Regional while Carle Place downed Pierson (Section I) by that same score in the Long Island Regional.

“Could there be anything better than coaching in a community known for its famed field hockey coach, Janice Williams? To be honest, given the opportunity to shadow her determination and relentless pursuit of excellence is quite possibly the highest honor of my coaching career,” said Akron Coach Marlene Stone. “If this team succeeds, it is because we collectively strive to pay homage to the historical excellence Mrs. Williams demanded. We also have one of the most aggressive defensive squads that I have ever coached!”

It will be the fifth time in program history that Akron has reached the Final Four. Akron’s lone state title came in 1992 when that Jan Williams coached Lady Tigers team posted a 3-2 championship game win over Oxford.

Ironically, the team Akron defeated in the semifinals that year was Carle Place by a 2-0 margin.

Defensively Akron has shutout all four of its postseason foes to date and overall has shutout 15 of 18 opponents this season in compiling a 17-1 record.

Offensively, the Lady Tigers balanced scoring has had Nevada Bergman with 15 goals, Olivia McClaine 11, Julia Klodzinski 9, Madigan Regan 8 and Brooke Milhollen 7, Kayla Cebuski 5, Mackenzie Tomporowski 4, Ava Fox and Iva Meyers 2 and Morgan Tomporowski, Ava Lombard and Madison Gates 1 each. McClaine also has a team high 12 assists.

Goalie Marissa Brege anchors the defensive unit which has given up only 5 goals all season.

The Lady Tigers four captains all point to teamwork as the key to their success.

“The key to our success has been the growth of our team and our ability to work together as one,” said Klodzinski. “We’ve have overcome many obstacles by working together, communicating and staying focused on our goals. We are well on our way to reaching our ultimate goal of going to states and we couldn’t be happier!”

“Working together on and off the field pulled us together as a whole,” added McClaine.

“Staying strong through the ups and down has significantly improved the way we play and perform,” said Morgan Tomporowski.

“Going to states was always the ultimate goal and being able to do it with this group of girls is super special,” said Brege. “We all have our individual specialties and we use that to succeed and support one another.”

The victor will then face the winner of the Whitney Point (Section IV) vs. Hoosick Falls (Section II) semifinal in the championship game at 10 a.m. Sunday at Centereach.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Quarterback Julian Woodworth will lead the Medina offense into Friday’s sectional championship game against Salamanca at Highmark Stadium.

Looking to keep the momentum from back-to-back shutout playoff victories, Medina will now face Salamanca for the Section VI Class C championship at 1 p.m. Friday at Highmark Stadium.

It marks the second title trip to the stadium in three years for the Mustangs which the last time defeated Fredonia 58-6 in a snowstorm in 2021.

“Getting a chance to play at Highmark stadium is an amazing experience for everyone in our program,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley. “Because we were there 2 years ago we still have a handful of kids that got the opportunity to play there already. For some it’s completely new… so we need to rely on our seniors to keep their composure in a game of this magnitude, and lead by example on the field.”

C North Division champion Medina brings a 10-0 record into the title contest while C South Division champ Salamanca is 8-2.

The Mustangs advanced by blanking Southwestern 21-0 in the semifinals while the Warriors ousted Portville 35-24.

The victor advances to the Class C Far West Regional on November 18 at Williamsville South.

Leading the Salamanca offense is the two quarterback tandem of Jaxon Rose, who has thrown for 765 yards and 10 touchdowns and Maddox Isaac who has passed for 593 yards and 7 TD. Their leading receivers have been Lucus Brown (17 catches for 444 yards and 8 TD) and Arlen Newark (22 catches for 400 yards and 5 TD). Isaac has also rushed for 357 yards and 6TD, Joshua Auman 393 yards and 4TD and Zachary Trietley 148 yards and 5 TD.

“I expect Salamanca to have a balanced attack offensively and spread the ball around to their playmakers. They have been consistent all year and have some big play potential in the passing game as well as the return game,” said Valley. ” Defensively they are very solid up front and fly to the football. The team is very discipled and has won several close games, so they know how to come up with big plays in big games.”

Quarterback Julian Woodworth, who has rushed for 508 yards and 10 TD and passed for 634 yards and 6 TD, leads the Medina attack. The Mustangs offense has also been sparked by Noah Cudzilo with 157 yards receiving and 4TD and 413 yards rushing and 6 TD, Christian Moss 1,251 yards rushing and 15 TD and Justin Pitts and Brody Fry with 1 TD reception each.

Keying that ground oriented Mustangs attack has been the front line of Sawyer Kingsbury, Kole Campbell, Ethan Carson, Xavier King and Roosevelt Mitchell along with tight ends Breydin McEwen-Miller and Carter Woodworth.

“Offensively We need to be solid at the point of attack and maintain our blocks, hang on to the ball, and minimize penalties, ” said Valley. “Defensively everyone need to do their part and swarm to the football.”

This marks just the second time that Medina has faced Salamanca in the sectionals. The first came in 1987 when the Warriors downed the Mustangs 29-7 in the semifinals at Salamanca.

The Mustangs are 4-0 in their previous title game trips to the stadium having defeated Silver Creek 20-14 in 1980, Cassadaga Valley 26-7 in 1982, Albion 14-7 in 1988 and Fredonia 58-6 in 2021.

In addition, Medina also captured the sectional title during the abbreviated 2021 spring season when the Mustangs defeated Southwestern 21-13 at Vets Park. The spring season was held after the fall 2020 season was cancelled due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Wilson in Class D final

No. 3 seed Wilson will face top seeded Clymer/Sherman/Panama for the Section VI Class D title at 5 p.m. Thursday at Highmark Stadium.

Wilson advanced by posting a 21-20 semifinal win over Franklinville/Ellicottville which avenged a 41-20 regular season loss.

CSP downed Wilson during the regular season 41-13.

Contributed Photo – Rylee VanNostrand

Beginning her collegiate basketball career on a high note, Medina High graduate Rylee VanNostrand was one of six double figure scorers in Niagara Community College’s season opening 106-30 win at Corning Community College on Tuesday.

VanNostrand, a freshman at NCCC, scored 10 points, including a three, and had 2 steals.

During her senior year at Medina, VanNostrand scored 421 points, which is second highest on the Mustangs all-time list.

A first team Niagara-Orleans All-League selection, she also earned Honorable Mention on the All Western New York small schools squad.

VanNostrand also played soccer for NCCC this Fall. She played in five games and scored one goal which was a game winner.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Getting a chance to spend a little time on the turf at Highmark Stadium this morning during Media Day was this quintet of Medina seniors. In front from left are Xavier King, Roosevelt Mitchell and Kaedon Cleveland as quarterback Julian Woodworth hands off to Noah Cudzilo.

Getting set for Medina’s second title game appearance at  Highmark Stadium in three years  the chance to visit the home of the Buffalo Bills this morning for Media Day marked the return to a very familiar place for Medina’s five senior player representatives.

“It’s great. It’s a dream being here again. It feels like home,” said two-way lineman Roosevelt Mitchell who along with his teammates two-way lineman Xavier King, quarterback Julian Woodworth, wide receiver Kaedon Cleveland and running back Noah Cudzilo were all sophomore members of the Mustangs 2021 team which defeated Fredonia in a snowstorm at Highmark for the Section VI Class C title.

The C North Division champion Mustangs will take on C South Division champ Salamanca at 1 p.m. Friday for the Section VI Class C title and a berth in the state playoffs.

“It’s been our team’s goal to get back,” said Cudzilo. “It’s amazing. It’s an honor to be able to play here.”

“It means everything,” said Woodworth. “Coming back is a great opportunity for us. The biggest thing is we have to execute.”

“We have to do what we do best,” added Mitchell.

All 10 sectional finalist teams were represented at the Media Day session. The championships will now have two games on Thursday and three on Friday beginning with the Medina vs. Salamanca contest.

It was also an interesting homecoming of sorts for one of Mustang head Coach Eric Valley’s assistant coaches.  The last time special teams  coach Mike Vanderjagt visited the stadium was with the Indianapolis Colts when he kicked the game winning field goal against the Bills.