Now all the Cazenovia girls soccer team needs is some consistency.
The same Lakers side that knocked off Christian Brothers Academy and Bishop Ludden early this season has also taken some setbacks, including last Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Homer at the Sean Googin Sports Complex.
Though Chloe Willard netted Cazenovia’s goal, the Trojans countered with tallies from Nina Armideo and Sophia Thomas, and unlike the CBA game, there would be no late-game rally.
This put some pressure on Cazenovia as it went west on Route 20 to face Skaneateles in the latest Laker duel at Hyatt Stadium. Both sides shared the common nickname plus early-season defeats to Clinton, who beat Cazenovia 2-0 on Sept. 6 a week before routing Skaneateles 6-0.
Based on that, Cazenovia had to feel good about its chances at Skaneateles, but walked away frustrated after yet another 2-1 defeat.
During an active first half, Skaneateles twice converted, having Ryley Pascal and Tess Peterson put in goals. But the host Lakers couldn’t get away as Cazenovia also got on the board with Kirsten Underwood’s goal.
Down by one at the break, Cazenovia did not give up anything more, but Skaneateles was tough, too, leaning on its defense to keep Cazenovia from getting even, and it did so, with Grace Kush picking up seven saves, two more than Hannah Matteson.
Cazenovia did salvage the week by beating Phoenix 4-3 on Saturday, and for that it could thank Underwood, who recorded a three-goal hat trick while also assisting on Allie Vanetti’s goal. Matteson needed every one of her eight saves to counteract the work of the Firebirds’ Emilie Hilliard, who had two goals and one assist.
One big contrast between Cazenovia and Chittenango was the way their sides handled games against Christian Brothers Academy 48 hours apart.
For the Lakers, it meant coming from behind to prevail 2-1 in overtime Sept. 9 at the Sean Googin Sports Complex. For the Bears, it meant having to travel to Alibrandi Stadium last Monday night and see things get away in a 4-0 defeat to the Brothers.
It was only 1-0 at halftime, but Chittenango could get none of its 12 shots past CBA goalies Catherine Burns and Abbey Benware. Meanwhile, the Brothers took over in the second half.
Katy Stanard led that getaway, scoring twice for the Brothers, while Grace Hulslander and Amanda Winn found the net, too. Tate Kohlbrenner, Meghan McKeen and Anna Jenkins got one assist apiece.
From there, the Bears were idle until Thursday night’s game against Mexico, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Other than Sarah Martin’s goal, Chittenango could not get anything past Tigers goalie Melissa Murray, who was credited with 27 saves as Ava Dardaris had 14 saves of her own, but gave up a goal to Mexico’s Ashton Ariola.
