Poland knocks off M-E, advances to title game

LOWVILLE, N.Y. » Morrisville-Eaton/Hamilton’s seasoncame to an endWednesday evening as coach Duane LeBlanc’s squad fell to the Poland Torndaoes in the Section III Class B semifinals.

M-E, fresh off thrilling 1-0 vic- tories over Copenahgen and Sackets Harbor, could not find a way to crack the Tornado defense on Wednesday, and Poland speedster RileyWisehart gave theWarrior defense fits throughout the match, particularly in the first half.

Eight-and-a-half minutes into the contest, Riley Wisehart found her rhythm, opening the scoring with a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Lauren Rodriguez.

Emily LeBlanc sent Brinn Bikowski on a run down the left wing moments later as M-E, trailing 1-0, sought an answer to the opening Tornado goal. The Poland defense tightened though, tackling the ball away from Bikowski and launching a counterattack. Ten minutes into the contest, Wisehart scored again, finding space inside the M-E 18yard box before firing a shot into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

Poland struck again when Keara Blumenstock found the back of the net, launching a shot that skimmed just under the crossbar for a 3-0 lead, one they would carry into half.

Poland continued to dominate possessioncomingout of the half, but M-E was able to fortify itsdefense andkeepthe Tornadoes out of the second half scoring column until falling victimto anowngoal late.

This year, Morrisville-Eaton - with additions from Hamilton - finishes the season with a 10-5-3 overall record that included a run to the sectional semifinals. EmilyLeBlanc scored one against Copenhagenandanother solo shot against Sackets Harbor to give a stifling M-E defense all the breathing room it needed to work with in the opening round and quarterfinals of sectionals to advance M-E to the semifinals.

“The first two games I thought we played dynamite in the postseason, and we were at home and we play well at home,” LeBlanc said. “We came here, and we just started out cold. We are kind of notorious for that, and it costs youwhen that happens. You really can’t come out flat.”

In its last 12 games, M-E surrenedered just four goals.

“We knew we were really starting to play good ball and really able to play on the defensive side of things. The offense we’ve been working on. I thoughtwewere able to pressure a lot of teams. Obviously, tonight, we did not pressure it enough. We had the team to go deep,” LeBlanc added. “It was probably one of the most senior-laden teams I’ve coached. I knew we could go deep in the sectional tournament, possibly get to the state tournament if we played our game.”

Despite not reaching the state tourney, LeBlanc thought his team achieved a good deal.

“I love this team. I think this was a great team to coach. The mix of Hamilton and Morrisville players were wonderful. They are a great group of kids. They have accomplished a lot,” he said. “We didn’t have our night, but I would coach that team year in year out, anytime. I wish the seniors well in their future endeavors. I know some are going to play at the college level, and I look forward to watching them there. For the younger players, I look forward to watching them develop.”