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PLATTSBURGH - Haley Drinon and Avery Aloi scored goals and goalkeeper Alyssa Hatch finished with a shutout as the Fredonia State women’s soccer team advanced to its first SUNYAC Tournament final in program history on Wednesday afternoon by defeating Plattsburgh State 2-0 in the semifinals at the Field House Complex.
The Blue Devils, who will play in the championship game Saturday against Cortland, wasted little time getting on the board. In the ninth minute, Drinon found the back of the net to give Fredonia a 1-0 advantage just 8:14 into the contest. Fredonia continued to pressure throughout the opening half, holding a 9-6 edge in shots and a commanding 7-3 advantage in corner kicks before taking the one-goal lead into halftime.
Fredonia State gained breathing room in the 71st minute when Aloi scored her second goal of the season, extending the lead to two goals. The Devils (12-3-4) then closed out the final 20 minutes to preserve the shutout and touch off celebration as the final whistle confirmed a historic victory.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see our team rewarded for all their efforts and their dedication to what it takes to be a student-athlete,” head coach Chris Case said. “The group is having fun and is hitting all cylinders at the right time. We had an outstanding effort from our group today. They competed for each other and it showed.”
Hatch totaled three saves in goal as Fredonia State snapped an 11-game winless streak against Plattsburgh (0-9-2 record). Last year’s campaign ended on the same stage and at the same location: a semifinal loss at Plattsburgh. The Blue Devils’ last win over the Cardinals occurred in 2014.
“We had an outstanding effort from our entire group today. They competed for each other and it showed,” Case said. “We beat a very good Plattsburgh team on the road at a very difficult place to play. It’s extra special for us to find success after losing this same game a year ago to them to end our season. Alyssa Hatch made some big, key saves for us. She played her best game in a Fredonia uniform.”
Cortland -- Fredonia's opponent on Saturday -- earned a berth in the title game by virtue of a 3-1 win over Oswego State yesterday.