WILDCATS POUNCE ON PANTHERS, ADVANCE TO STATE FINAL

Section III’s West Genesee Wildcats are headed for a state championship game appearance after beating the Pittsford Panthers of Section V 2-1 in the NYSPHSAA Division I semifinal at the LECOM Harborcenter on Saturday.

It’s been a long, tough road to get to this point for the Wildcats, having to beat four quality opponents – and coach Frank Colabufo was pleased with what he saw from his group.

“Pittsford came as advertised,” Colabufo said. “They're well-coached, they're big and physical with a great goalie, good defensemen and some dynamic forwards. They were everything we expected.

“To be able to get through Orchard Park last weekend and then Pittsford today to make it all the way to Championship Sunday, I’m really proud of my group.”

Senior goaltender Luke Beck was ready to take on all comers.

“That was a really difficult game but I know we're all ready for tomorrow,” Beck said. “We’ve just got to rest up and get ready for tomorrow. Winning a state title would be a great way to end my high school career.”

After a scoreless first period, West Genesee opened the scoring midway through the second on a power play goal by Christian Ball. Ball converted on a rebound that was produced off a shot from the point by Carson Berg, and the Wildcats were off and running.

Pittsford, however, wasn’t going to roll over and let West Genesee win. A few minutes later, the Panthers tied the contest at one on a man-advantage tally of their own when Ryan Munzinger scored on a shot from the point.

Back and forth the two schools fought in the third, with neither willing to give an inch. That lasted until about four minutes to play in the third, when Michael Vetter found the back of the net to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish for the remainder of the game.

“Obviously we wish we'd gotten a bounce or two there at the end, but I thought we played great,” Panthers coach Rory Foster said. “When you get to the state tournament, you're obviously playing good teams and I thought we were very evenly matched.

“I’m proud of our effort and I thought our execution was really solid for most of the game. Not a lot of teams are able to keep it within one goal with West Genesee. We wish the outcome was a little different but I thought we did a really nice job of creating opportunities, and we did everything we could to give ourselves a chance. I really can't ask for more than that.”

One also couldn’t ask for much more from Beck. Beck, who has atypical cystic fibrosis (which has symptoms including coughing fits and being overly fatigued), kept the Wildcats in the match throughout and credited his routine for allowing him to have success.

“It’s a challenge and it’s definitely hard once the fatigue starts setting in,” Beck said. “But as long as I keep doing what I do with the same routine and getting plenty of sleep – whatever I need to do, I’ll be ready.”

Suffern of Section I now stands in the way between West Genesee and a second state title in three years, and Colabufo likes his team’s chances of winning.

“Suffern’s a well-coached, great program and a traditional power but we’ve got a lot of postseason experience in that locker room,” Colabufo said. “These seniors were here as sophomores and beat a good Suffern team two years ago. I’ve believed in them and they’ve believed in each other, and we’re excited and very grateful to have the opportunity to be here on Sunday.

Gallery by Rich Rumfola/CNYAthletics.com