By PAUL GOTHAM
GENESEO, N.Y. — Samantha Bates connected on the game winner in the 88th minute, and the Holley Hawks clinched a spot in the New York State Class C Far West Regional with a 3-2 victory over Byron-Bergen in Section V Girls’ Soccer action, Wednesday night at Geneseo High School.
Bates delivered a right-footed blast from 25 yards out for the golden goal.
“I honestly thought it hit the post,” she said. “I didn’t think it went in until everyone started going to the ground.”
The goal was the second of the night and 29th of the season for the senior midfielder.
Holley trailed 2-1 when Bates started to produce.
A halftime adjustment paid dividends to get the Hawks’ leading scorer more room to work.
“I made a couple switches which made us vulnerable, but the girls that I switched did amazing,” said Holley head coach Renee Wolf. “They played the role that they needed. They did what was asked.”
Wolf moved Jailyn Bishop to a flank spot on the front line and forced the Byron-Bergen defense to account for the senior back’s presence in the attack.
“That helped quite a bit,” Wolf said. “They played together.”
Byron-Bergen took a 6-0 decision when the Genesee Region foes met during the regular season.
On Wednesday night, Holley scored first when Mia Thom connected from inside the 18-yard box.
With the win, the Hawks clinched a spot in regionals for the first time in program history.
“I knew they had it in them,” Wolf said. “It was just getting them to that point. I’m super-proud.”
Mia Gray started the scoring for Byron-Bergen in the 37th minute.
Megan Jarkiewicz converted on a free kick from 25 yards out and gave the Bees a 2-1 lead 13 minutes into the second half.
Holley had an 8-7 advantage in shots on goal. Both teams took two corner kicks.
Byron-Bergen came into the game as the three-time Section V Class C2 champion and two-time regional champ.
Holley ended a 29-year title drought last Friday when the Hawks beat Williamson in the Class C1 final.
Holley will play Section VI champion, Frewsburg in the NYS Class Far West Regional on Saturday.
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