Port Byron nips Akron in Class C Regional

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s Lacey Berghorn goes after the ball against a Port Byron defender during the Lady Tigers narrow 2-1 loss to the Panthers in the Class C Far West Regional at Vets Park this afternoon.

A furious last minute rally came up just inches short as Akron dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to Port Byron in the Class C Far West Regional field hockey game this afternoon at Medina’s Vets Park.

Trailing 2-0, Akron got right back into the game on a goal by Olivia McClaine with just 38 seconds remaining, a tally which came off the Lady Tigers fifth corner opportunity of the afternoon and the second in the final two minutes.

Keeping the momentum, Akron stormed right back into the Port Byron goal area. The Lady Tigers kept furious pressure on until the final whistle blew but could not get the ball across the goal line, which was only inches away, to gain the tying goal.

Port Byron built up the 2-0 lead on goals by Abby McKay a minute and a half into the second quarter and by Sadie White three and a half minutes into the third period.

Akron advanced to the regional by edging Niagara-Orleans League rival Barker 1-0 for the Section VI championship, the Lady Tigers third in a row.

Port Byron downed Morrisville-Eaton 6-1 to win the Section III Class D championship. However, since there is no Class D in the state playoffs Port Byron moved up to Class C for the regional.

Port Byron, which is now 16-3, will next face Whitney Point (Section IV) in the state semifinals next weekend. Whitney Point romped past Canastota (Section III) 9-0 to win the Central Regional.

Section VI captured the day’s first two games as Clarence blanked Brighton 3-0 in the Class A contest and Iroquois edged Pittsford Sutherland 1-0 in the Class B game.

Akron’s Olivia McClaine, who scored the Lady Tigers goal, works to get the ball toward the Port Byron goal.

Akron’s Madison Brege, at right,  puts a last second shot toward the goal but Port Byron goalie Maria Burns, who had several huge stops on the day, dives to make the save. Moving in on the play for Akron are Lacey Berghorn, left, and Nevada Bergman (8).