Story and Photos by Janet Schultz, NYHOL
The WNYGVIH Section VI Champions, Williamsville, will head to Lake Placid to defend their State title. They beat Kenmore/Grand Island 3-2 in overtime last night at Cornerstone Arena in Lockport.
The first period found Williamsville getting on the scoreboard at 4:30 with a goal by Senior Captain Emma Roland. Kenmore’s Isabelle Bourgeault, a seventh grader, dropped one in for Kenmore at 13:04; assisted by Kaylynn Savoy. First period ended 2-1 in favor of Kenmore.
The second period opened with two penalities before Williamsville’s Emma Roland scored, assisted by Vanessa Willick. That was the tie goal and seconde period ended all tied. up.
Third period seemed to follow the pattern of the league with no scoring sending the game into overtime.
Williamsville’s Emma Roland gets a hattrick and the winning goal, assisted by Willick just a minute into overtime.
As seen for most of this season goaltending was the story. In this game it was Williamsville’s Mia Wendell and for Kenmore/Grand Island Carolyn Bourgeault.
Following the game Emma Roland talked to the media.
“They are a good team that gave us a great battle,” said Roland. “It feels great!”
Kenmore’s Abby Blair moved to #14 on the All Time Scoring List in the WNYGVIH Federation with 94 points in 93 games with 51 goals and 43 assists.
Singing the national anthem was Kenmore East student Esther MacDonald.
Williamsville will face Plattsburgh in the semi-finals of the NYS Regional Championship (not called State Championship because not every section is represented) on Friday evening at the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid. Clinton takes on Salmon River.
Faceoff for the Clinton/Salmon River game is 6 p.m.; Williamsville vs Plattsburgh, 8 p.m. and Finals will be Saturday at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $8 online and $10 on site. The game will also be streamed at Watch Events Live NFHS Network (nfhsnetwork.com).
