The Garnets knew they had a formidable task, trying to slow a Hornet juggernaut that has won seven straight state titles. And Lakeland didn't waste time showing why they're No. 1, rolling to a 4-1 victory to win their eighth consecutive sectional title.
Section 1 has a bye in the first round of regionals, so the Hornets (17-0-2) will face Section 9's Red Hook Saturday at Valhalla High School at 11 a.m. The winner advances to the NYS final four.
Caroline Cahill had two goals for Lakeland, Kelsey McCrudden had a goal and an assist, and Meghan Fahey scored for the Hornets.
Hornets coach Sharon Sarsen, in her 35th season, said the feeling of a team winning a title never gets old.
"It never does," Sarsen told Daily Voice. "I was just so nervous today all day long... this is the toughest day of the year because section finals mean a lot. So I'm glad we came out first half as hard as we did. Kelsey has a great goal, and I could feel us gaining momentum from that point. The entire first half I thought we were just relentless."
"Our corners were really the key to this game ," Fahey said. "And so many players stepped up on the field in this game. This whole program is so close knit... you'll see people on the sidelines from past teams cheering us on, which is a wonderful feeling."
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