Stillwater 1   Tuckahoe 0

Back in the day Ringo Starr had a hit single, ” You Know it Don’t Come Easy”, and while I’m confident it wasn’t playing on Stillwater’s victorious bus ride home from Cortland on Sunday, it would have been fitting.

On Saturday in the C semifinal, Stillwater endured a pair of lightening delays and a strong Burke Catholic squad that took them into overtime where Stillwater prevailed.

In the championship match on Sunday the weather changed to swirling snow, the opponent changed to a gritty Tuckahoe team, but the result stayed the same, a Stillwater “W” and with it a coveted girls soccer state championship.

On Sunday with both squads battling windy conditions and each other, defense took center stage with both teams turning back strong runs, and the match remained scoreless heading into the break.

The second half brought more of the same with Tuckahoe finding the Stillwater post on their best chance of the day, but the Stillwater defense led by Finley Bornt, Mayzie Gibeault and keeper Ally Liamero refused to yield.

With 12:25 remining Stillwater connected on the only goal they would need when Brooke Hodgson ripped a free kick from 30 yards out that cut through the wind and the keepers’ hands for the 1-0 lead and the Stillwater “D” made it stand for their third state title in the last eight years under head coach Christine Ihnatolya.

After suffering a heart-breaking overtime loss last year in Cortland this championship must seem even sweeter to Stillwater who finishes a special fall campaign at 21-1 and New York State champions.

 “Got to pay your dues if you want to sing the blues”, Ringo opens the song with. 

Stillwater paid its dues a year ago and cashed in for a championship this weekend.  

Congratulations go out to Coach Ihnatoyla and the players on a simply outstanding soccer season in Stillwater.