By PAUL GOTHAM
WEBSTER, N.Y. —Nicole Cruz had to make a change in uniform number for Friday night when she realized that her usual garment was in another city.
The change in attire didn’t affect the Gananda junior’s scoring touch.
Cruz scored twice and younger sister, Aly added another goal as top-seeded Gananda claimed the 2022 Section V Girls’ Class C1 championship with a 3-1 victory over No. 3 Holley.
“It feels great,” the older Cruz said. “We’ve never gotten a sectional title. It feels amazing.”
Cruz scored less than two minutes into the contest and doubled the Blue Panthers’ advantage midway through the second half.
Her first goal was originally meant for a teammate but instead found twine.
“That was supposed to be a cross to one of the forwards,” she said of the ball played from the right wing. “It just went in the back post. Upper 90.”
Cruz’s second goal, though, found its intended target.
56’ Kara Newton leads Nicole Cruz for her second goal of the game and a 2-0 @GHSAthletics1 lead. pic.twitter.com/VfXzWr6w4w
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 28, 2022
Teammate Isabella Hoffman won possession at midfield and led Kara Newton for a run along the left wing. Newton found Cruz running free in the middle third.
“I was expecting the defender to step in front of it,” Cruz said. “But I got lucky.”
The 5-foot-6 forward took one touch to settle the ball and then buried a shot in the net.
“That was really a confidence booster for us. We didn’t want it (the score) to stay at one-o.”
Holley responded quickly, but younger sister Aly put the game out reach in the 61st minute.
61’ Isabella Hoffman finds Ally Cruz in the area for a 3-1 @GHSAthletics1 lead. pic.twitter.com/5n8Xl543iG
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 28, 2022
Cruz donned No. 22 for Friday’s contest instead of her usual No. 15.
“It’s in my dad’s car and he works in Syracuse,” she said smiling. “Last night I started looking for it and then this morning I was like ‘oh shoot, I think I left it in my dad’s car’ and I just texted my coach.
“I think that was my good luck charm. We were all really nervous especially me. I was trying to stay composed. I was definitely nervous for tonight.”
Gananda (20-0-0) advances to face Class C1 champion Byron-Bergen for a chance to play in the New York State Far West Regional.
As for which uniform number she will wear in the regional qualifier?
“I’ll probably go back to 15, but 22 is a really good number if I ever need a backup.”
Hoffman collected her second assist of the game on Gananda’s third goal. Lyndsey Valletta made five saves for the win.
Jailyn Bishop scored the lone Holley goal.
Thank you for stopping and speaking to Nicole after the game. And thank you for all you do for our local athletes ❤️⚽️