Box Score ACPHS Women's Soccer fell to the SUNY-ESF Mighty Oaks 2-0 in the 2017 HVIAC Tournament Championship on Sunday, marking the 2^nd straight year the Panthers were unable to get past SUNY-ESF in the conference title game. Following the loss, the Panthers fell to 10-5-1 on the year, while SUNY-ESF moved to 11-2-0.

On a rainy day in Albany, it was the Mighty Oaks of Syracuse that created the first chance to open the scoring. Senior midfielder Megan Herbst attempted a shot from 25 yards out that looked to be dipping into the net but instead rattled the crossbar in the 10^th minute. ESF had another golden chance five minutes later when senior Jessie Smith teed up midfielder Megan Herbst, but Herbst skied her attempt from just inside the top of the box.

SUNY ESF continued to hold possession and create chances throughout the half, but were constantly stymied by the ACPHS defense. The Mighty Oaks best chance of the half came at the 39-minute mark through senior Lauren Archer. She was put through on a goal and beat her defender, but the ball was bouncing and she could not get her volleyed attempt on target. In the half, the Panthers only attempted one shot compared to the Mighty Oak's 13, but the teams went into the break scoreless and with everything to play for in the 2^nd half.

The Mighty Oaks continued to create chances after the teams returned from break, and finally capitalized in the 50^th minute. Defender Alyssa Hughes played a long pass up the left side that was picked up by senior attacker Lauren Archer. Archer dribbled past one Panther defender to set up a one-on-one with sophomore keeper Sally Slowinski (Colrain, MA / Mohawk Trail). Archer drilled a low shot past Slowinski for her 14^th goal of the year, and the Mighty Oaks took a 1-0 advantage.

The advantage was doubled just seven minutes later by senior forward Shannon Gordinier, who received a cross from Archer after the forward once again beat a Panther defender off of the dribble. Gordinier took one touch and curled her effort around Slowinski for her 12^th goal of the year and a two goal lead with 33 minutes to play.
The Mighty Oaks were comfortable seeing the game out from there, constantly stifling ACPHS' star forwards Katie Benson (Clifton Park, NY / Shenendehowa) and Erin Tersegno (Webster, NY / Webster Thomas). The Panthers only mustered four shots total the whole game, none of which were on target. Slowinski made ten saves for Albany, and is now 8-3-0 on the year.

After the game, it was announced that Mighty Oaks midfielder Anna Bishop won tournament MVP, while Benson was named HVIAC Player of the Year and freshman defender Emily D'Abrosca (Cumberland, RI / Mount St Charles Academy) was named HVIAC Rookie of the Year. Both teams will look forward to heading to USCAA Nationals this week.