For a decade, no high field hockey program in Central New York could compare to Cazenovia, who strung together 11 consecutive Section III championships in Class B and C and threw in a pair of state titles, too.
Now, though, the Lakers have gone two consecutive seasons without a sectional banner, a negative trend it hoped to reverse in 2019 as it returned most of its startling lineup and features six seniors on the overall roster.
Traveling to Rome Free Academy for last Tuesday’s season opener, Cazenovia kept things close, yet still lost, 2-1, to the Black Knights.
Elora Wilmot’s pass set up Carley Lounsbury the Lakers’ lone goal, but RFA’s Lily Ferrucci turned back four other shots and her side won when Jace Hunzinger and Drew Kopek both converted.
On Saturday, the Lakers went across town, to Cazenovia College’s Christakos Field, to face Canastota, and here broke into the win column by defeating the Raiders 3-1.
It was a well-balanced Cazenovia attack led again by Lounsbury, who netted one goal and added an assist. Peyton Basic and Lily Sorbello also picked up goals, with Molly Brown adding an assist. Jessica Evans had Canastota’s lone goal
A busy week for the Lakers would start Monday at Cato-Meridian, continue against Port Byron Wednesday at Burton Street Elementary and conclude Friday with a visit from Baldwinsville.