BALDWINSVILLE – Nothing the Baldwinsville girls soccer team does for the rest of this year, or perhaps any year going forward, might mean as much as what it did Tuesday night at Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium.
Before, during and after its 3-0 victory over Fulton, the Bees centered the evening around honoring the memory of Ava Wood, whose name will now mark the start of a tournament that will open the season.
This night was supposed to be the varsity debut for Wood, who as a ninth-grader in the 2022 season led the junior varsity Bees in goal-scoring. The combination of her talent, joyful demeanor and devotion to family endeared her to nearly everyone who met her.
But on Jan. 20, a domestic incident turned tragic when Wood’s father fatally shot Ava, then took his own life. The events shook the entire Baldwinsville community and was felt far beyond those borders, too.
Eight months later, the Ava Wood Memorial Tournament started with Christian Brothers Academy defeating Vestal, 3-2. Then it was time for B’ville and Fulton to take the field.
First, there was a pre-game ceremony where Fulton’s players gave B’ville players carnations while Wood”s mother, Heather, received a flower bouquet.
Both Heather and head coach Kathy Morse then spoke about Ava, her love of soccer and how her personality and fashion perfectly fit the game. After a plaque was given to Heather, a moment of silence was observed for 19 seconds, equaling the number 19 that Wood wore for B’ville.
An even more poignant moment followed the game, where goals by Lyla Weber, Natalie Hollingshead and Nadia Guzman helped the Bees prevail.
Once the teams shook hands, they all stayed on the field and turned to the Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium scoreboard, which had 19s displayed instead of the final totals for each team and a clock that displayed 19:19.
A video tribute followed, to the tune of Christian singer Lauren Daigle’s piece “Rescue”, and as it played, many of the players could not hold back tears.
About the only thing left to do was to win the tournament, and the Bees did so on Wednesday, claiming a 3-1 decision over CBA with a come-from-behind effort.
Katherine Williamson’s goal had the Brothers in front 1-0 by halftime, but relentless B’ville pressure allowed it to catch up and overtake CBA in the second half.
Aubrey Rizzo led the way, twice putting in goals, with Hollingshead finding the net for the second consecutive match.
B’ville meets reigning sectional Class AA champion Fayetteville-Manlius next Wednesday night and is back home next Friday to face Central Square.
