Both Pittsford high schools – Sutherland and Mendon – have advanced to meet in the 2024 Section V Class A Girls’ title game this Saturday. The two sides split the regular season series (1-1) with both games ending in scores of 1-0. The Vikings’ only loss of the year came at the hands of the Knights. A 2:30 p.m. kickoff is scheduled at Rush-Henrietta High School. Here’s what you need to know:
No. 1 seed PITTSFORD MENDON VIKINGS (15-1-1/Monroe County Division III)
vs.
No. 3 seed PITTSFORD SUTHERLAND KNIGHTS (13-4-1/Monroe County Division III)
How they arrived here: Top-seeded Pittsford Mendon (No. 3 NYSSWA Class A) had a bye in the first round before it downed Newark/Lyons 10-0 in the quarterfinals beginning the sectionals run. Then, the Vikings took a 3-2 victory over No. 5 Our Lady of Mercy. Pittsford Sutherland (No. 23 NYSSWA Class A) also enjoyed a first-round bye and then beat No. 6 Palmyra Macedon 4-1 in the quarterfinals. The Knights advanced beyond the semifinals with a 2-1 overtime win atop No. 7 Batavia.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM JENNIFER LAEMLEIN.
Total goals scored: Pittsford Mendon (41), Pittsford Sutherland (30)
Total goals allowed: Pittsford Mendon (7), Pittsford Sutherland (17)
Trends: Pittsford Mendon has not lost since Sept. 28th, accruing eight straight wins since that time. The Vikings have outscored opponents 28-5 over that span. Before beating Mercy, the Vikings held four straight opponents scoreless. After beginning the season 2-4, Pittsford Sutherland has not lost since Sept. 18th. The Knights ended the regular season with four consecutive shutouts and amidst an unbeaten streak allowed more than one goal just once (Sept. 26th 2-2 tie against Greece Olympia).
Players to watch for Pittsford Sutherland: Elizabeth Riley Sr. M/F eight goals, one assist; Madison Littlefield Jr. GK 320 minutes played, 49 saves, four goals allowed; Taylor Hamilton Jr. M/F four goals, nine assists; Lucy Bush So. M/F two goals, six assists; Emma Wesley Jr. M/F three goals, two assists; Elizabeth Wilmot Jr. M/F two goals, four assists; Victoria Froula Sr. D one goal, three assists; Kate Pinto Jr. M/F three goals; Payton Hamilton Jr. D/M two goals; Allyssa Hatch Jr. GK 23 saves, 247 minutes played, six goals allowed, one goal scored.
Pittsford Mendon: Kate Crowley Sr. GK 640 minutes played, 33 saves, two goals allowed; Charlotte Engin Sr. M 12 goals, four assists; Lillian Larimer Jr. F 11 goals, four assists; Ella VanPutte Jr. D one goal, eight assists; Mikaela Lloyd Jr. M Four goals, four assists; Claire Baek Sr. D Two goals, four assists; Brinley Schreib Jr. M Two goals, three assists; Olivia Rohan Jr. F Two goals; Leonora Graff Sr. D One goal, one assist.
Coaches: Eric Pritchard (Pittsford Mendon), Adam Palumbo (Pittsford Sutherland)
History 101: With a win, Pittsford Mendon would stack its 12th Section V championship and tie Red Creek for fourth most in Section V girls’ soccer history. The Vikings last title came in 2021. Currently, the Vikings trail Livonia (19), Aquinas (14, including last year’s title), Arkport (13) and Red Creek (12) in all-time championships while their 11 is tied with Kendall. Pittsford Sutherland is seeking its first Sectional championship since 1994. Their seven historic titles ties Wheatland-Chili, Addison, Mercy, Avon, Caledonia-Mumford, Marion, Byron-Bergen and Palmyra-Macedon for 13th most all-time.
What’s Next: The winner advances to the New York State Class A Far West Regional on Saturday, November 9th and will face the Section VI champion – either Lewiston-Porter or Pioneer.
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