One team is looking for its first state quarterfinal win in program history. The other is trying to win its 10th regional title and fourth since 2001. Northstar Christian and Ellicottville will battle for the NYS Class D Far West Regional championship. Here’s the breakdown:
NORTHSTAR KNIGHTS
(15-2-1/ Private/Parochial)
vs.
ELLICOTTVILLE EAGLES
(9-6-1/Chautauqua Cattaraugus Athletic Association)
How they arrived here: Northstar Christian defeated Andover 5-0, Avoca-Prattsburgh 1-0, and defeated Notre Dame-Batavia in the sectional final 1-0 to reach Friday’s matchup. Ellicottville only needed to play North Collins and advanced with a 2-1 win.
Total goals scored: Northstar (62), Ellicottville (42)
Total goals against: Northstar (12), Ellicottville (21)
Trends: Northstar enters the quarterfinals on a nine-game winning streak which included nine straight shutout wins. The Knights have a total of 12 shutouts on the season and haven’t allowed a goal since September. Ellicottville is coming into the quarterfinal, winning three of its last four games. The Eagles have scored more than three goals three times this season and have scored double digit goals twice on the year. Ellicottville has eight total shutouts.
Players to watch for Northstar: Allie Skeval Sr. F (21 G, 35 A); Kayla Irwin Jr. F/M (20 G, 10 A); Alisha Demarest Sr. CM/GK (29 points, 0.73 GAA); Elliana Kaiser Sr. CB (four goals); Gianna Grape 8th GK (seven shutouts).
Players to watch for Ellicottville: Julian Lyon Jr. F (11 G, 2 A); Eliza Murray Sr. M (9 G, 2 A); Ally Andrews Fr. F (6 G); Camerie Riley So. F (4 G, 2 A); Teagan Siperek Fr. F/GK (4 G, 2 A); Ady Andrews Sr. GK (66 SV, 0.786 SV%)
Coaches: Andrea Demarest (Northstar), Tammy Eddy (Ellicottville)
History 101: This will be the first time Northstar has been in the state quarterfinal round. Ellicottville is making its 14th appearance in the New York State quarterfinal. The Eagles have not won in the quarterfinals since 2011. Out of their previous 13 appearances, the Eagles have won five of them.
What’s at stake: The winner advances to the NYSPHAA Class D semifinal to face either Chateaugay (X) or Cincinnatus (III).
Kickoff is set for Friday, November 6th, at 5 p.m. at Williamsville East High School.
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