Greeley Grinds out OT Triumph, Quakers Advance to NYS Final 4

By Tony Pinciaro

Once Bae Bounds had the ball on her stick, the HORACE GREELEY senior had one thought in mind. Bounds, one of Section 1’s most prolific offensive players, took it to the cage and scored the decisive goal with 31 seconds remaining in overtime, lifting the state-ranked (No.13) Quakers to a thrilling 7-6 win over Section 2 Champion Bethlehem at Queensbury High School Saturday.

The victory in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B regional final propelled the Quakers into the state final four at SUNY-Cortland. Horace Greeley will play Section 3 winner West Genesee, Friday, 3 p.m., in a semifinal. The other semifinal is Victor (Section 5)-West Islip (Section 11). The semifinal winners play for the state title, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

The Quakers advanced to the regional final with a 9-8 triumph of Section 9 titleist Minisink Valley.

“Sami (Rose) drove to the cage and passed it to Rowan (Edson),” said Bounds, who will attend Brown University in the fall and also play lacrosse. “The girl who was guarding me was behind me slipped and I noticed that. When Rowan passed it to me I didn’t have to think twice, and took it to the cage.”

Bounds was swarmed by her teammates, the Quakers making history yet again, advancing to their first NYSPHSAA Final 4.

“It was amazing,” said Bounds, with a laugh. “It took me a second to realize what happened and then everyone started running over to me.”

The goal capped a thrilling rally for the Quakers as they trailed, 6-4, with just under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Quakers were a player down when Logan Skuro brought them within one, 6-5. With about two minutes on the clock, Bounds scooped up a ground ball, fed Edson and she did the rest.

“I had so much trust in Rowan that she was going to take the ball down the field and make something good out of it,” said Bounds, who had a hat trick against Bethlehem.

This was the fourth consecutive game – Fox Lane, Yorktown, Minisink Valley and Bethlehem – that the Quakers’ defense held a potent offensive team to single digits in goals. And the second time – Yorktown and Bethlehem – the defense held the opponent scoreless in the fourth quarter.

“In the last three games our defense has really come together and been lights out,” Bounds said. “We’ve really been able to click when we needed it. In the fourth quarter our defense was on lock down and they sparked the offense.”

Bounds and her teammates were prepared for Bethlehem following good practices as the Quakers focused on their coaches’ scouting report. Bounds said even though the team beat Minisink Valley, the Quakers felt they did not play very well.

“It was close throughout the game,” said Bounds, who had a hat trick against Minisink Valley. “We didn’t have our best showing in that game. We went into the game thinking it was going to be easier than it was coming off our big win over Yorktown.

“During the game, we realized it could have been our last game and we were not comfortable with that. We came together and agreed that we weren’t going to lose after such a big win.”

Edson had an excellent game against Minisink Valley with four goals and three assists. Sami Rose netted two goals and G Tatum Walsh handled seven shots.

The Quakers hope to make their magical season of firsts – sectional title, regional title and final four participant – conclude with a state title.

“It’s actually amazing being able to make history,” said Bounds of the final four. “It’s unreal. We also get to spend the weekend with our best friends. We’ve worked so hard for it. Being able to compete at such a high level with great players and to prove ourselves is amazing.”

ROB DIANTONIO PHOTOS