Field Hockey 2023 States Recap!

     "From the start of the season, our goal was made clear – to advance to the State tournament one game at a time by winning one quarter at a time," said Coach Marlene Stone.
     Stone wrapped up her second year as varsity coach of Tigers Field Hockey with a very young but talented team whose starting squad had more underclassmen than juniors or seniors. They accepted and met the challenge, making an exciting trip to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Field Hockey Championship held Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Centereach High School on Long Island.
     Back on August 31^st, the team’s Niagara-Orleans League schedule kicked off facing longtime rival Barker at their home field. The Lady Tigers netted two goals; however, Barker scored on a penalty stroke in the third quarter. This goal was the only goal the Tigers would allow their league opponents all season.
     At the next contest, the Lady Tigers faced Class A Williamsville North and took the game to overtime where they achieved their first extraordinary win, 3-2, over the technically strong Lady Spartans.
     Their N-O League play continued with goalkeeper Marissa Brege and the defensive trio of Morgan Tomporowski, Alexis Salmon, and Madison Gates posting shutouts for the remaining 11 games. The team dropped their only regular season non-league game against Starpoint, 2-3.
     On October 23rd, the post-season began with Akron as the top-seeded defending champion besting the Newfane Panthers, 4-0, in the quarterfinal round. They moved on to the semifinals to face the Barker Bulldogs. Morgan Tomporowski scored the game-winning goal in the second quarter. In the Section VI Class C Finals game, Nevada Bergman scored just 25 seconds into the game to nip Medina 1-0 earning the Lady Tigers their fourth consecutive Section VI Class C title and a berth in the state playoffs Far West Regional game.
     The team faced East Rochester representing Section V at Webster Thomas High School. Off a penalty corner, Madigan Regan scored the game-winning goal at the 5:10 mark of the second quarter. Nevada Bergman scored in the third quarter off an assist from Julia Klodzinski and Brooke Milhollen netted the final goal of the game. With this win, the girls punched their ticket to the NYSPHSAA’s Class C Final Four semifinal contest at Centereach High School on Long Island. This was the fifth time in program history that Akron attended the Final Four, the most recent being in 2017 when Coach Mary Borden’s team went up against powerhouse Whitney Point in the semifinals.
     On the road to the state tournament, the Lady Tigers’ defense posted shutout wins against 15 of 18 opponents and allowed only five goals. Seniors Nevada Bergman (15) and Olivia McClaine (11) led the team with goals scored for the season. Julia Klodzinski (9), Madigan Regan (8), Brooke Milhollen (7), senior Kayla Cebulski (5), Mackenzie Tomporowski (4), Ava Fox (2), Iva Meyers (2), Madison Gates (1), Ava Lombard (1) and Morgan Tomporowski (1), each contributed goals to help the team reach the Final Four. Additional reserve players include Averi Monkelbaan, Clarise Wawrzyniec, Kaitlyn Bower, and Keira Palizay.
     In the NYSPHSAA Class C Field Hockey semifinal game, the Lady Tigers battled through a scoreless regulation-time game against the Carle Place High School Frogs of Section VIII sending the two teams into overtime. The Frogs bested the Lady Tigers with a shot off the corner to head to the finals against Whitney Point and sending the Tigers home on the train with a 17-2 record for the season.
     “We’ve already made States our goal again for next year,” remarked Coach Stone.  “I think this team is young enough and certainly has the talent to go the distance again! I’m thrilled!” 
     Sophomore Morgan Tomporowski was given the Sportsmanship Award for the semi-final match- up and senior Olivia McClaine was named to the All-Tournament team. Sophomore Marissa Brege was recognized for 13 shut-outs during the season.
     “I would be remiss if I did not offer our team’s thanks to Mrs. Kersten (Interim Superintendent), Mr. Dimitroff (High School Principal), Mr. Wartinger (Athletic Director), Mrs. Brown (scorekeeper), our volunteer assistant coaches, Claudia and Abby Stone, plus so many parents and others, for their tremendous support of our team in accomplishing our goal to reach States,” said Coach Stone.  “I also want to congratulate and offer best wishes to our three seniors, Nevada Bergman, Kayla Cebulski and Olivia McClaine!”