by Julie Luciano
On Wednesday November 3, the Hoosick Falls Panthers played the Maple Hill Wildcats for a spot in the Sectional Final game against Chatham. The game was played on neutral ground at the Stillwater High School. Hoosick Falls was up against the number one seed in the section, Maple Hill.
The game was much different from a normal season game. The girls played on turf, and the movement was much faster than normal. Both teams came out fired up and ready to play in what could be either team’s last game of the year. The Panthers had several promising opportunities in the beginning of the game, but the solid Maple Hill defense did not let them through. Late into the second half Meeghan Arno, who racked up 55 goals in the regular season, blasted a ball from the outside left sideline and sent the ball into the goal. Hoosick Falls goalie Kaitlyn Stowell made several great saves. The teams ended the half with a score of 1-0.
In the second half the teams got heated and more physical as time went on, and more penalties were called. Fifteen minutes into the second half Maple Hill hit again with another goal from Arno. Maple Hill had three more free kicks from just outside the 18 yard box. The first one hit the post, and the other two missed. Hoosick Falls, even though behind, played with determination, but the whistle blew and the Wildcats moved on to the next round.
The Panthers ended their year with a great season and a good record. The Sectional Finals will be played at Stillwater on Saturday, November 6.
