Photos: Dutch Duo
An intense game with two overtimes ended Wednesday with the Guilderland field hockey team’s first-ever chance to play a sectional title game. The Dutch pulled out a 2-to-1 victory on Bethlehem’s home turf against the Eagles in the Class A sectional semifinal. Guilderland will play the Section 2 sectional title game on Sunday against Shenendehowa. The second season got off to a less propitious start for the girls’ soccer team. On Saturday afternoon, the Dutch traveled to Shaker High School to battle with the Blue Bison in the Class AA sectional quarterfinals. They fell, 4 to 1.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
It was pure jubilation as the whole team rushed onto the field after the goal was scored and the final whistle blew as a Bethlehem player shows her dismay.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Driving to paydirt: Guilderland's Jessi Coton dribbles around the Bethlehem player toward the net to score the game-winner, sending the Dutch to the finals. Ava Thomson also scored.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
After all the excitement was over, coach Jennifer Sykes, in back, hugs Kate Daviero while Coton gets hugged by Caitlin Caulfield.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Heads up: Guilderland's Lauren Conti gets her head on the ball in the second half as a Shaker defender shies away.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Bad bounce: Guilderland's Zoey Kmack unexpectedly traps the ball on her chest as her teammate Zoey Kmack bumps into her late in the second half. Margot Nezaj scored the lone goal for the Dutch.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Loose ball: Guilderland’s Riley Grimm runs after the ball in the second half as a Shaker defender follows her.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Taking on the competition: Guilderland’s Jane Leader tries to dribble the ball past midfield as a Shaker player tries to stop and take the ball away from Leader.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Using her left foot, Guilderland’s Paige Miller passes the ball up the field in the second half of Guilderland’s Class AA sectional quarterfinal matchup at Shaker on Saturday afternoon.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Who wants it? Guilderland’s Hannah Risko, right, and a Bethlehem player chase after a loose ball that heads toward Bethlehem’s net in the first half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Slapping sticks: Guilderland’s Emily Govel and a Bethlehem defender battle for a loose ball at midfield in the first half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Splitting the defense: Guilderland’s Kate Daviero takes on two Bethlehem defenders in the first half of the Class A sectional semifinal at Bethlehem on Wednesday.