What was built over six years, and 65 consecutive games, nearly ended for the Cazenovia field hockey team in Wednesday night’s game at Cortland.
But the Lakers withstood the challenge from the Purple Tigers, prevailing 2-1 in overtime as Jillian Vogl notched the game-winner.
Not since 2005 had Cazenovia lost to any Onondaga High School League opponent, the blemishes only coming against opponents in other leagues, higher classes or in the post-season.
However, Cortland arrived at this contest with some momentum, having beaten East Syracuse-Minoa 1-0 two days earlier, and was at home, geared up to deal with the reigning state Class C champions.
Vogl’s goal put Cazenovia ahead 1-0 in the first half, but despite a decided advantage in shots and scoring opportunities, it could not stretch out that margin, in large part due to the work of Cortland goalie Maggie Brown, who recorded 10 saves.
In the second half, the pressure picked up when the Purple Tigers’ Taylor Thomas, off a feed from Erin Brown, beat Lakers goalie Ashley Winn to tie the contest. And there it remained until the end of regulation.
The overtime format in field hockey involves seven-on-seven play, giving the offense a better chance to operate. Sure enough, Vogl, who had the overtime goal that won the state championship last November, got in front and beat Brown for the game-winner.
So the league win streak now sits at 67, since the Cortland escape was in the middle of a span of three road trips in five days, all of them successful.
Two nights before it went to Cortland, the Lakers, beginning a stretch of seven straight road contests, ripped past Homer 7-1.
Cazenovia decided matters quickly, smothering the Trojans for six unanswered goals in the first half.
Nicole Chiarello had three of them, earning the first hat trick of her varsity career, as Emmajean Speer found the net twice. Vogl had one goal and one assist and Jessy Silfer also converted. Emily Willard and Rachel Nourse added assists.
Then, after Cortland, the Lakers took its own shot at ESM Friday and did not miss much in a 6-0 romp of the Spartans.
Relentless pressure led to a 2-0 halftime edge, and the Lakers drew clear late behind Silfer and Willard, both of whom found the net twice. Ashley Winn and MaryKate Conley had the other goals, with Vogl and Silfer adding assists.
Now the Lakers step up in competition, visiting Rome Free Academy on Tuesday before going to the Camden Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
