SHARE

Bronxville Ends Briarcliff's Season in Sectionals

BRONXVILLE, N.Y. – Bronxville had been waiting for this moment, Tuesday, for almost one year.

The Broncos played Briarcliff in a Section 1 Class C Field Hockey Championship quarterfinal game. Bronxville was hoping to face Briarcliff because it was the Bears who eliminated the Broncos last year in the sectional semifinals. Briarcliff went on to win the Class C title and reach the state final four.

Once the game started, it was apparent that Bronxville was prepared to play as the Broncos began pressuring Briarcliff immediately, and never stopped.

Gretchen Richter had a hat trick and two assists, fueling top-seeded Bronxville to a 7-0 win over eighth-seeded Briarcliff.

Bronxville, now 13-2-1, will host the No. 5 Valhalla-No. 4 Dover winner, Thursday, 3 p.m., in a semifinal.

Bailey Wood and Ally Pass each had a goal and an assist. Melissa Imperiale and Willow Florek also scored goals.

“We lost to them last year, 4-2, in the semis so we were really excited because we wanted to redeem ourselves from last year,” Wood said.

Bronxville had an additional day to prepare itself for the game, as did Briarcliff and many other field hockey teams which played, Tuesday, because games scheduled for Monday were postponed.

The extra day gave Bronxville added motivation to come out focused and establish control. Four minutes into the game, Imperiale got the Broncos going, assisted by Richter, who picked up a rebound and fed it across to Imperiale who was open on the right post.

Seventy-nine seconds later, Richter collected another rebound and deposited a shot in. Wood assisted on Pass’ goal, at the 15:35 mark, and scored four minutes later. Two of Bronxville’s goals in the first half came on penalty corners.

“That’s all we’ve been practicing is corners,” Wood said. “We were able to put the finishing touches on them in practice and it seemed to work out today. This game definitely boosted our confidence.”

Richter’s play-making also gave Bronxville a boost. “Gretchen has been getting the momentum going for us this season,” Wood said.

Briarcliff 0 0 – 0 Bronxville 4 3 – 7

Goals – Bx: Gretchen Richter 3, Melissa Imperiale, Bailey Wood, Ally Pass, Willow Florek Assists – Richter 2, Emily Kimak, Wood, Pass. Saves – Bc: Natalie Paulmeno 15, Bx, Katie Knox 2

to follow Daily Voice Briarcliff and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE