Sectional Championship Preview: Wayne County titans to battle in Class B2

One squad is looking for a second straight Section V title. The other aims for its first as a merged program. For the third time this year, Williamson and Gananda/Marion face off on the pitch, this time for the Section V Class B2 title. Here’s the breakdown:

No. 1 WILLIAMSON MARAUDERS (14-1-2 / Wayne County)
vs.
No. 3 GANANDA/MARION BLUE PANTHERS (12-4-1 / Wayne County)
Friday, Newark HS, 6:30 p.m.

How they arrived here: Top-seeded Williamson beat Le Roy (2-1) and Avon (1-0) to reach the Class B2 title game. Gananda/Marion took down Marcus Whitman (2-1) and Mynderse Academy (0-0 / 4-3 PK’s) to reach the Class B2 Sectional Championship.

Total goals scored: Williamson (60), Gananda/Marion (44)

Total goals allowed: Williamson (4), Gananda/Marion (10)

Trends: Williamson and Gananda/Marion both enter having won five of the last six games. The Marauders have allowed one goal in the past nine games, while Gananda/Marion has allowed two goals in its last five.

Players to watch for Williamson: Lauren Schmeelk Sr. (25 goals, 17 assists); Madyson Storey Sr. (15 goals, 3 assists); Natalie Karasinski 8th (6 goals, 7 assists); Haeden Wing Jr. (5 goals, 5 assists); Katherine Kuhl Sr. (95 saves, 3 goals allowed, 0.18 GAA).

Gananda/Marion: Leah Buffan Sr. (8 goals, three assists); Lily Aylett Sr. (6 goals, 6 assists); Mia Marcucci So. (9 goals, 4 assists); Shasha Mulowayi Sr. (2 goals, 4 assists); Avery Hoffman Jr. (63 saves, 1 assist, 7 goals allowed, 0.54 GAA).

Coaches: Sarah Klejment (Williamson), Emily Slentz/Lori DeLyser (Gananda/Marion)

History 101: This is the third meeting between the two teams this season. In the first meeting, the Marauders came out with a 1-0 home win in early September. The second time, the two squads played to a 0-0 draw. Williamson is looking for its second straight sectional title and ninth in program history. Gananda/Marion aims for its first title since the two programs merged for this season. Prior to the merger, Marion won seven titles, most recently in 2019. Gananda claimed two championships including the 2022 Class C1 crown.

What’s next: A spot in the Class B Far West Regional qualifier against either Livonia or Haverling.