Alexa Snyder successfully converted a penalty stroke in the second overtime period to give No. 3 Cicero-North Syracuse the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over No. 2 Rome Free Academy in a Class A sectional semifinal game at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill on Sunday.
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It was just the second goal of the season for Snyder, but it came at an opportune time.
Before that, C-NS took the lead with 7:35 remaining in the fourth quarter on a goal by Gabby Wameling, her 13th of the season. Rome Free Academy later tied the game on a goal by Isibeal McMahon, her 12th of the year.
We asked Cicero-North Syracuse coach Patrick Kennedy about the game and Northstars' next opponent.
Q. Tell me about the shot for Alexa Snyder. Was it a penalty corner or a penalty stroke?
A. We were awarded a penalty stroke. We have multiple strokers that I felt comfortable with taking the shot. Our coaching staff decided to go with Alexa as she has been very solid at practice lately taking strokes. She calmly stepped up and converted it to send us to the championship game.
Q. Who on defense provided the leadership to help keep the game close?
A. Hannah Boyle definitely is the leader of our defensive unit.
Q. Looks like are playing Baldwinsville again. How do you prepare to play a team for the third time in one year?
A. Baldwinsville has been playing very good field hockey all season. They are undefeated for a reason. We will be working hard this week in preparation for them. A lot of people wrote us off for this year, and here we are in the finals. We look forward to the challenge.
