Batavia, NY- For the second time in program history, the North Country Saints are going to the Region III Championship. 

In 2021, the Saints played against Genesee CC for the title and were defeated to end their season. This time around in 2024, they met in the Region III Semi-Final and the Saints got their payback with a 2-0 victory to advance to Saturday's Championship. 

Abby LaFountain knocked home a rebound in front of the net to give the Saints a 1-0 lead just 6:48 into the contest. They wouldn't look back after that.

"All last week during practice I kept telling Abby she was going to score against GCC... I just had that gut feeling." said Saints Coach Kent Egglefield. "She worked so hard preparing for the game. She earned that goal."

Genesee would launch a heavy counter-attack for the rest of the half, but the Saints defense wouldn't budge.

"I've never had a defense as good as this one." stated Egglefield. "They are the perfect blend of speed, aggression, and physicality. They just don't break."

After halftime it was more of the same as the Cougars kept coming hard forcing the Saints to defend more than attack. But in the 64th minute, a pass out from Emma Byl found Region 3's leading scorer, Ella Rejiba streaking up the field. Rejiba beat two defenders and launched a perfectly placed shot from 25 yards out to give the Saints an insurance goal for a 2-0 lead. 

Hannah Gaddor did the rest for the Saints making several huge saves in the dying minutes for her 7th shutout of the season. She had 13 total saves on the day. 

"Nothing more can be said about Ella, she is the best player in the Region and its not even close," added Egglefield. "And Hannah was amazing today. She just gets better and better the tougher the game. I am so proud of her. I believe we have the best keeper in the Region as well."

The Saints were outshot 13-6, but made the most of their chances. 

The Saints will face Onondaga CC on Saturday for the Region III Championship at Genesee CC who is hosting the Regional championships. Game time to be determined still. 

GOAT of the Game

Our GOATs of the game is our entire defense... Riley Paschke, Aurianna Lastowski, Claire Murphy, Julianne Swan, and Hannah Gaddor. This unit held Genesee scoreless and have had three consecutive shutouts. On the season they've posted 7 shutouts total as a group and have only allowed 10 goals in 13 games this season. They have yet to allow more than 2 goals in any game they have played. Their .73 goals against average and 7 shutouts rank in the top five nationally! Gaddor's .908 save percentage is also 2nd in the nation among qualified keepers. These five have been the backbone of the team all season and still don't get enough respect for everything they have done. But let them keep doubting you, because we don't at all. Thank you defense! We couldn't be more proud.