Canton girls lacrosse secure state semi-final berth with comeback victory

The Canton girls lacrosse team has secured a place in the New York State semi-finals, defeating Schuylerville 9-6 in the Class D regional championship at Potsdam High School on Saturday. The victory marks the second consecutive year the Bears have reached the Final Four, following their appearance as state finalists in the previous season. As the only Section 10 champion to advance to the semi-final stage, Canton now prepares to face Penn Yan at SUNY Cortland on Friday.

The match was characterised by a significant shift in momentum. After a scoreless first period, Schuylerville established a 5-3 lead at halftime, outshooting Canton 13-6 in the early stages. Head Coach Murphy Liggio noted that the team did not play at their strongest level during the first half but adjusted their defensive intensity after the break. The Bears mounted a comeback with a 2-1 advantage in the third quarter before scoring four unanswered goals in the fourth to seal the win.

Captain Olivia Francey was instrumental in controlling the tempo, dominating draw controls with 10 wins to ensure a possession advantage for the offence. Francey and Saige Blevins each contributed three goals and two assists, while Maddie Armstrong, Elena Abplanalp, and Delia Gaurin scored single goals. Zadia Ann Gaurin provided stability in goal with nine saves, helping to shut down deep passing lanes for the Black Horses, who were led by Peyton Delisle’s three goals and Juliette Letzring’s two.

The result highlights a transitional phase for the Canton squad, which consists of 17 players but only two seniors. This marks a distinct departure from previous rosters, yet the team’s experience from last season’s state final run proved crucial in navigating the high-pressure regional final. The victory ensures Canton’s return to SUNY Cortland, where they will compete for a spot in the State Championship on Saturday, June 13.

In parallel regional action, the Canton boys team fell to Schuylerville 11-10 in overtime. Quinn McGaheran scored four goals for Potsdam, but Hayden Peck secured the win for Schuylerville with the overtime goal. Meanwhile, in Class C competition, Massena was defeated by Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 18-10, with Logan Tomlinson scoring seven goals for the Spartans.

Canton is currently seeking financial support from the Canton Golden Bear Booster Club to cover travel expenses for the semi-final trip, including transportation, meals, and potential accommodation. The team is not covered by school funding for these costs, and supporters are encouraged to contribute via Venmo or direct donation to assist with the logistics of the state tournament run.