State Quarterfinal Preview: Kendall, Wilson to clash in Class C

One side is looking for its first state quarterfinal victory since its state championship in 2018. The other is looking to avenge a state quarterfinal loss last season. Kendall and Wilson will fight in the NYS Class C quarterfinals. Here’s the breakdown:  

KENDALL EAGLES 
(19-1-0 / Genesee Region I)
vs.
WILSON LAKEMEN 
(18-0-0 / Niagara Orleans)

How they arrived here: Kendall (No. 3 NYSSWA Class C) defeated Naples (3-0), Genesee Valley-Belfast (6-1), Fillmore (9-0) and Holley (4-1) to reach the state quarterfinals. Wilson (No. 1 NYSSWA Class C) cruised past Barker/Lyndonville (9-0), Portville (2-1) and Frewsburg (3-1) to meet the Eagles in the quarterfinals.

Total goals scored:  Kendall (92), Wilson (88)

Total goals allowed:  Kendall (6), Wilson (4)

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO. 

Trends: Kendall enters the quarterfinals on a seven-game winning streak including a stretch of five straight shutouts. Wilson finished undefeated on the year including 14 shutout victories. The Lakemen won 12 games by three or more goals. 

Players to watch for Kendall: Sophia Picardo Sr. M (17 G, 16 A); Ryleigh Denning Jr. F (32 G, 11 A); Jersie Drake Fr. F (16 G, 16 A); Mackenzie Cooper 7^th M (10 G, 9 A); Charlie Fox Fr. (5 G, 4 A); Addison Kludt Sr. D/CB (1 G, 3 A); Teagan Shaw Jr. GK (0.38 GA).

Players to watch for Wilson: Addison Ella Jr. F (29 G, 12 A); Lilly Gurski Jr. M (14 G, 35 A); Lucy Madan Jr. F (13 G, 5 A); Zoey Beck So. D (9 G); Colbie Elia 8^th F (4 G, 9 A); Kairi Beck Sr. M (5 G, 5 A); Brooke Urban Sr. GK (73 saves, 0.23 GAA).

Coaches: Nino Pilato (Kendall), Jeff Hart (Wilson)

History 101: Kendall last reached regionals in 2018 when the Eagles went on to win the NYS Class D title. Kendall also reached the state quarterfinals in 2002 and 2003. Kendall coach, Nino Pilato, led the Greece Odyssey girls to three straight state quarterfinal appearances from 2010 to 2012. Pilato also was the head coach of McQuaid when the Jesuit Knights reached regionals in 2017 and 2021. Wilson lost in last season’s NYS Class C quarterfinal matchup to Byron-Bergen. Last season’s regional appearance was the first for Wilson since 2001 when they beat Red Creek in the quarterfinals.

What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class C semifinal against either St. Lawrence Central (X) Northern Adirondack (VII).

A 7:30 p.m. kickoff is scheduled for Friday at Williamsville East High School.