By PAUL GOTHAM
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — It would have been understandable if the Pittsford Sutherland girls’ soccer team had a case of the “what could have beens” this past off-season.
After all, the Knights’ 2024 campaign ended with an overtime loss to crosstown rival Pittsford Mendon in the Section V Class A final.
That Mendon team went on to win the state title with only one defeat on its record: a 1-nil regular season setback to Sutherland.
The degree of difference can’t get much smaller.
Adam Palumbo’s squad, though, didn’t dwell too long on the past, and early-season efforts in 2025 are indicative of that.
“They feel the pain from last year,” Palumbo said after a 3-1 Sutherland victory over Irondequoit, Monday night night from Ordiway Field. “But they flipped the page.”
Lizzie Riley gave the Knights a 1-nil edge heading into halftime before assisting on another score in the second stanza as Sutherland built a 3-0 lead. The win was the second in as many outings on the young season.
“We want to make history for this group of girls,” Palumbo said. “We definitely talk about how close we are.”
The Knights, who allowed two goals in their last seven games of the 2024 season, were their stingy selves against Irondequoit.
Senior keeper Maddie Littlefield made four saves for the win. While they worked for nine corner kicks, the Knights did not allow the Eagles a similar opportunity from the end line. The lone Irondequoit set piece in their offensive end came from 40 yards out.
“If we’re in the offensive third, we’re going to try and win back the ball as fast as possible,” Palumbo said crediting his front line with starting the pressure on the ball. “Our defense starts with our forwards and works all the way back.”
At the same time, Sutherland’s back four of Cecily Kaul, Lillian Zemans, Evelyn Kuhe and Payton Hamilton gave Irondequoit’s few open chances.
“We work in the offseason on pressure, cover, balance and keeping shape. The most dangerous person on the field is the one with the ball. As long as we recognize that and cause turnovers, we can go forward. The game is turnovers, and we want to cause more of them.”
Emma Wesley set up Riley’s goal that came with 10:50 remaining in the first half. Sarah Fields doubled the lead less than 20 minutes into the second half with an assist from Alyssa Hatch. Hatch redirected a cross from Riley inside the 18 to make a 3-0 game with just under 13 minutes to go.
“When we get a goal, we want to see how fast can we score a second,” Palumbo said. “They know that we’re going to have opportunities, offensively.”
Riley, Littlefield, Hatch, Kaul, Zemans and Hamilton along with Lucy Bush were all key members of the 2024 squad. That group was looking to win the program’s first title since 1994.
“It’s been two years in a row (losing) in the finals,” Palumbo said. “We are taking one practice, one game at a time. We’re just trying to get better each practice and each game. That’s the goal.”
Luci Hawn scored for Irondequoit (0-1-0) in the 71st minute. Molly McGahan had an assist on the play.
Irondequoit keeper Elena Lamanna made eight saves.
The Eagles travel to play at Hilton on Wednesday. A 7:00 p.m. kickoff is scheduled.
Sutherland hosts Mendon on Friday. A 7:00 p.m. start is scheduled.
Leave a Reply