Class A regional preview: Aquinas and Starpoint to meet in state quarterfinals

One squad looks to win its first regional matchup since 2017. The other is making its first regional appearance. Aquinas and Starpoint will battle in the NYS Class A Far West Regional. Here’s the breakdown:

AQUINAS LI’L IRISH (18-1-0 / Private/Parochial)
vs.
STARPOINT SPARTANS (19-0-0 / ECIC II)

How they arrived here: Aquinas opened the postseason with a win over Bishop Kearney/Chesterton/HAC (6-0), before beating Batavia (6-1) and Pittsford Sutherland (1-0) to claim the Section V Class A championship. Starpoint earned the Section VI Class A championship by defeating Dunkirk (9-0), Amherst (3-1), East Aurora (3-0) and Lewiston-Porter (2-0). 

Total goals scored: Aquinas (83), Starpoint (91)

Total goals allowed: Aquinas (8), Starpoint (11)

Trends: Aquinas enters the matchup on a six-game winning streak. The Li’l Irish collected four shutouts and outscored their opponents 25-2 during that span. Starpoint has registered 13 shutouts this season.

Players to watch for Aquinas: Sienna Fallone Jr. (31 G, 17 A); Jaden Deming Jr. (15 G, 12 A); Savannah Sweet Sr. (14 G, 4 A); Julianna Shannon Sr. (13 G, 1 A); Bella Muratore Sr. (3 G, 13 A); Samantha Marmo So. D (2 G, 10 A); Talia Norton Sr. CB; Vivi Oliveri Sr. CB (1 A); Briar Hinds So. GK (104 saves, 7 goals allowed).

Players to watch for Starpoint: Grace Crissman Jr. (43 G, 25 A); Ashley Mainstone So. (16 G, 6 A); Nora Crissman Jr. (8 G, 11 A); Avery Casero So. (5 G, 2 A); Olivia Streicher So. (4 G, 1 A); Arianna Hamilton Sr. GK (111 saves, 11 goals allowed).

Coaches: Adam Schwartz (Aquinas), Kristen Casero (Starpoint) 

History 101: Aquinas has appeared in eight regional matchups since 2001 with a 5-3 record. The Li’l Irish’s last trip to the state quarterfinals was in 2023, a 1-0 loss to Lewiston-Porter. Coming off its first sectional title, Starpoint is making its first appearance in regionals.

What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class A semifinal against either New Hartford (III) or Maine-Endwell (IV).

Kickoff is on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Geneseo High School.

*Preview has been updated.