Photos: 'Worst to First'
The bleachers shook as the crowd cheered when the Guilderland girls’ field-hockey team won its their first-ever Class A sectional title Sunday. Head Coach Jennifer Sykes said the team had gone from “worst to first.” She also said, “What I am most proud of is how they support each other no matter what adversity they face together.” The Dutch faced Shenendehowa at Glens Falls High School for the crown; the game went into double-overtime as the last game had. The Dutch prevailed and won, 2 to 1, then traveled to Gloversville High School on Wednesday afternoon against Section 3’s Baldwinsville in the subregionals and won, 3 to 1. They move on to play Saturday at 1 p.m. at Vestal High School against Section 4’s Maine-Endwell.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Making moves: Guilderland's Sophia Sericolo makes a move against Shen’s Syndney Reinisch in the second overtime. Sericolo scored both goals, including the game-winner. “The best part is, Sophia didn’t care that she scored; she just cared that she was able to help her team win,” said Coach Sykes.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Defense ready: Guilderland’s Caitlin Mooney (17), Ava Thomson (6), Bianca Simeone (75), Natalie Borges (13), and Meg Collins (22) stand in the goal ready to run out against a Shen’s penalty corner kick in the first overtime.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Deafening cries: Dutch players scream with joy as they surround their captains who brandish the Section 2 plaque.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Chasing down: Guilderland’s Caitlyn Caulfield tracks down Shenendehowa’s Kendall Eggleston in the first half of the Class A sectional championship on Sunday at Glens Falls High School.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Make your move: Guilderland’s Natalie Borges, right, pokes the ball away from Shen’s Kendall Eggleston at midfield during the first half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Sticks up: Guilderland’s Hannah Risko, right, and Shenendehowa’s Grace Dechiro watch the ball in the air as they both attempt to get it with their sticks in the first half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Flying V: Guilderland’s Meg Collins, right, and Shenendehowa’s Julie Kuzmich reach the ball at the same time in the second half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Showing love for her goalie, Guilderland’s Kate Daviero embraces Bianca Simeone after Simeone came up with huge saves in overtime; teammate Ava Thomson looks on.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
One team, all smiles: After receiving their first-ever sectional title plaque on Sunday, the Guilderland girls’ field hockey team members showed off their smiles and the hardware to their family and friends who had shaken the bleachers when they won.