By PAUL GOTHAM
WEBSTER, N.Y. — Earlier this week, the Spencerport girls continued their tradition of Halloween practice where all players come in costume for the day’s training.
Late Saturday afternoon, the Rangers continued what has become another annual rite as they clinched a spot in the state semifinals.
Lindsay Lenhard found the back of the net on four different occasions to lead an attack that included six different scorers as the Rangers cruised to a 10-0 win over Section VI champion, Niagara-Wheatfield (14-3-1) in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class AA Far West Regional.
Lenhard scored back-to-back goals less than five minutes apart as Spencerport grabbed control of the game early with a 4-nil lead 22 minutes into the contest.
“It always feels good to score a goal early in the game and then it just keeps going,” she said. “We know the game after three-zero (3-0) isn’t over. It’s always good to come out and get that early score to get it started.”
Senior center back Kendall Mesh converted off a corner kick from Lenhard to start the offense in the 13th minute. Emily Peacock followed with her first of two goals in the game and then Lenhard struck twice.
The regional championship was the seventh straight for the Rangers (21-0-0) who will play either Somers (I) or Valley Central (IX) next Saturday at Tompkins Cortland Community College.
“Until the last buzzer, we’re always going to support each other and be there for each other,” the junior forward said. “It just gives each person more motivation to get to the ball, get to the next run and be a part of something that is bigger than yourself.”
Jamie Keens, Isabella Fiorillo and Emma Watson also accounted for goals in the win.
Cate Burns, Claire Maloney and Addison Lynch combined for a sixth straight shutout and 19th of the season.
The Rangers had a 16-3 advantage in shots on goals and took six corner kicks in the match without conceding a set piece from their own defensive end line.
As for the Halloween party, teammate Jayda Solomon impressed with her costume as Violet Beauregarde – the character from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – who turns into a giant blueberry. There was also a Spice Girls troop among the masquerades.
“To get a Halloween practice, it always feels good to still be playing in that part of the season,” Lenhard said. “Last few years it’s fallen after sectionals, it feels so good to still be playing and to be able to celebrate with the team.”
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