Now all the Cazenovia field hockey team had to do was to finish off another perfect run through the Onondaga High School League before plunging into the post-season.
The Lakers’ 72nd consecutive league victory was achieved Tuesday, against Cortland, as it pounded away at the Purple Tigers and earned a 3-0 shutout.
When they had first met Sept. 21 at Cortland, Cazenovia needed Jillian Vogl’s overtime goal to fight past the Purple Tigers 2-1. The rematch did not require anything beyond regulation, though.
It was still close in the first half, Cazenovia only up 1-0 at the break. But led again by Vogl, who managed one goal and one assist, the Lakers pulled away in the late going.
Jessy Silfer managed a pair of assists as MaryKate Conley and Shelby Chase produced the other Laker goals. Cazenovia overcame another strong effort by Cortland goalie Maggie Brown, who made 14 saves.
A day later, the Lakers looked to extend the league win streak to 73 and earn its 14th consecutive victory overall at Weedsport. Cazenovia did both, beating the Warriors by the same 3-0 margin that it got over Cortland.
Weedsport goalie Gabriella Barrigar, with her seven saves, kept the match interesting for a while. The Lakers only led 1-0 at the break, but pulled clear late as Emily Willard carried the attack, scoring twice and assisting on Ashley Winn’s goal. Winn also assisted on one of Willard’s scoring plays.
After the Section III playoff pairings are announced on Sunday, Cazenovia will make up its postponed Sept. 27 game at Rome Free Academy Monday night and use it as a tune-up for the bigger contests ahead.
