BY BRIAN FEESSouthern Tier Sports Report
WAVERLY — Three goals on offense, and dominant defense helped the Horseheads girls’ soccer team win a third straight sectional title, 3-0 over Union-Endicott.
After sharing the title two years ago, with Vestal advancing to states on penalty kicks, Horseheads has won outright sectional titles the past two years.
“It feels amazing to continue our run with sectionals and accomplishing this again with my teammates,” Maddie Ribble said. “It’s the best group to do it with and everyone one of us deserve it.”
Two years ago was the first ever sectional title for Horseheads. Last year was the first outright title, and now they have won back-to-back outright titles.
“It feels great to win a second straight title and the shared one with this team,” Sydney Blunt said. “It is especially special for all of the seniors this year, because I know how much all of us wanted to win.
“I am so proud of our team. The way we came out with energy excited to play and never giving up really helped us achieve winning sectionals. Our team is so excited for regionals and can’t wait to continue our season.”
For the seniors they know that this win means their careers get to keep going.
“This is very special my senior year because today could have been our last game, but we went out without a doubt, confidence and knowing our skill and got the job done. I’m extremely proud of all the girls because we work really hard at practice day in and day out and all of us contribute in a different way, and we put all the pieces together today and I couldn’t be happier about it.
“We can’t wait to continue to regionals and take on whoever is next with confidence and play our game, and I wouldn’t want to do it with another group of girls.”
Ashley Giamichele had Horseheads up 1-0 at the half as she scored off an Amaya Abeyerante corner kick.
Maddie Ribble scored at 29:30 of the second half and Sonya Dordoni scored four minutes later to make it 3-0. Giamichele had an assist on the final goal for Horseheads.
“It feels amazing to win another sectional title alongside my teammates,” Giamichele said. “Our team has put in so much effort this season to get to where we are today. It feels great to know that I am not done wearing the Horseheads jersey and I get to play with this team a little longer.
“As a team we fought as a family and it showed on the field today. I am very excited for regionals and getting the chance to compete with my team and try to get the farthest that any girls soccer team at Horseheads has gone.”
The season has been a special one, and this win just means the team gets to keep going.
“It feels really great,” Samantha Bonnell said. “It has been a great season so far and I can’t wait to go get more wins with this team. We played outstanding, our foot was on the gas for all 80 minutes and we played great together.
“I know I am excited and I know the team is excited (for regionals). The energy has been great all week and it’s going to be great for another one.”
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PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.
