Southern Tier Sports Report ENDICOTT — A year ago the Horseheads Blue Raiders won their first sectional title, when they shared the crown with Vestal after a tie in the sectional final.
On Thursday the Blue Raiders won their first outright title, topping Vestal 2-0.
Abby Sumner and Sammie Bonnell scored the goals in the game at Union-Endicott High School and Maddie Ribble and Sydney Blunt had assists in the game.
“Very proud of this group,” Horseheads coach Lee Spencer said. “They had set a goal the first week to win a championship outright, and they put in the work each day. They showed a ton of heart and as a coach I couldn’t be happier for them.”
Ever since last year the Horseheads players made it a goal to try and win an outright crown this year.
“It feels amazing to win outright,” Ribble said. “The team’s determination to get that win as our own this year was unmatched and that was our goal from the start. This has been on our mind all year long and everything we’ve done has been for this moment. I can’t wait to continue on to the next round with this amazing team and see what we can accomplish.”
A year ago the Blue Raiders didn’t get to play in states as Vestal advanced on penalty kicks. This year the Blue Raiders will be off to states, playing the district nine runner-up at 11 a..m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Waverly.
“It feels amazing to win sectionals my junior year with the people I love most,” Blunt said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to win sectionals with any other tea. I am super proud of her our team played and what we have accomplsihed.
“We worked hard all summer for this moment and I’m super excited to see our effort paid off. From going to co-champs to now being named sectional champs is a feeling I could never describe. I am very excited for what is next for us in states.”
For the seniors this is extra special as they will get a chance to play in states for the first time.
“It feels so gratifying to have won sectionals outright this year,” senior Katie Miley said. “Our team has worked very hard since the beginning of this season to finish what we started last year. We are incredibley excited to be moving on to states this year, especially being our first full sectional title. I think it is a huge feat for the seniors and the coaches who have had this goal for years. We’re soaking it all in and ready to get back to work..”
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