Rams edge Hawks in tourney opener

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – TOURNEY TIME: Jon Bower (12) of the host Hawks heads the ball up field during this evening’s Holley Tournament contest against Roy-Hart. Hans Johnson (2) defends for R-H which claimed a 3-2 victory.

HOLLEY – Jumping out to a 2-0 advantage in the first half, Roy-Hart went on to nip the host Hawks 3-2 this evening in the opening round of the annual Holley boys soccer tournament.

Holley get off to a fast start but the Hawks were unable to capitalize on a pair of breakaway opportunities in the first 10 minutes.

After weathering that assault, Roy-Hart got on the scoreboard midway through the half when Kyle Shanahan scored off an assist from Lyle Wagner.

The Rams then doubled their advantage when Josh Baptiste scored with 10 minutes remaining in the half.

Holley finally broke onto the scoreboard midway through the second half when Jon Bower scored off a corner kick by Ryan Camacho.

However, Roy-Hart quickly answered the challenge when Alex Stoddard scored what proved to be the game winning goal just two minutes later off as assist from Wagner upping the Rams advantage to 3-1.

Holley did come battling back as Flint DiLella scored off an assist from Tyler Chmylak with just 3:55 remaining but the Hawks could not net the equalizer.

“We worked our tails off,” Roy-Hart Coach Barry Webber said. “We really worked hard.”

Roy-Hart will now face Niagara-Orleans League foe Newfane for the tourney title at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Holley will take on Batavia in the consolation contest at 4:30 p.m.

Newfane edged past Batavia 2-1 in the other semifinal.