One squad looks to defend its regional title and go back-to-back for the first time since 2007. Another looks to advance to its first state quarterfinal since 2013. Section V Champion Livonia faces Section VI Champion Akron in the NYS Class B sub-regional. Here’s the breakdown:
Section V Class B Champion LIVONIA BULLDOGS
(19-1-0, Livingston County Athletic Association Division I)
vs.
Section VI Class B Champion AKRON TIGERS
(12-6-1, Niagara Orleans Division)
How they arrived here: Livonia defeated No. 16 Mynderse Academy, No. 9 Marcus Whitman, No. 4 Wellsville, and No. 2 Hornell en route to thesub-regional. Akron bested No. 7 Silver Creek/Forestville, No. 6 Fredonia, and then defeated No. 1 Allegany-Limestone in double overtime to reach Wednesday’s match.
Total goals scored: Livonia (91), Akron (49)
Total goals allowed: Livonia (13), Akron (27)
Trends: Livonia enters action on a 14-game winning streak, having outscored opponents 71-9 with eight shutouts in that span. Akron will take the turf having won seven of its last eight matchups, outscoring opponents 37-4 with four shutouts in that span. The Tigers have not conceded more than two goals since September 18th.
Players to watch for Livonia: Reghan Maxwell So. F (26 G, 15 A); Blair Maxwell So. M (19 G, 26 A); Sunny Quinn Jr. M/F (17 G, 9 A); Ava Feehan So. M (6 G, 7 A); Sophie Otis Sr. D (3 A); Ella Bingham Sr. D (3 A); Madison Beach Sr. D (2 A)
Players to watch for Akron: Olivia Novak Sr. F (12 G, 8 A); Riley Irish-Baker So. F (7 G, 1 A); Clara Bogdan So. M (5 G, 4 A); Sahpur Guijalva So. M/F (6 G, 1 A); Reese Adessa 8th Grade, F (3 G, 6 A); Abby Gerstung So. M (4 G, 3 A); Brooke Warren Fr. M/D (3 G, 3 A)
Coaches: Jennifer Bugbee (Livonia), Ed Alpholz (Akron)
History 101: Livonia enters the sub-regional having won a state quarterfinal last year. The Bulldogs were bested in the state final by Pleasantville. Livonia looks to go back-to-back in regional titles for the first time since 2007, when the Bulldogs won four straight regional championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009). Akron seeks to advance to its first state quarterfinal since 2013, when the Tigers were eliminated 4-2 in PKs against No. 5 Hornell. Akron has not won a regional title in its program history.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class B quarterfinal against either Section I’s Briarcliff or Section IV champion Chenango Forks.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. this Wednesday at Williamsville East High School.
*Preview has been updated.
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