Sem Advances With Historic Ko Of Comets The Blue Knights’ Long-awaited D-2 Playoff Win Means That Crestwood Will Not Advance To The State Playoffs For The First Time Since 1985.
By STEVE SEMBRAT [email protected]
Saturday, October 27, 2001 Page: 1B
KINGSTON – Sometime traditions don’t die, they just get picked up by other
teams.
That’s one way of explaining Wyoming Seminary’s 1-0 overtime victory
against Crestwood on Friday in a District 2 Class 2A semifinal game. Anne
Marie Janus scored the winner two minutes, 35 seconds into the first extra
period giving the Blue Knights an historic win.
Seminary (18-0-2 overall) advanced to the district title game, and will
play Lake-Lehman (17-1-1) for the championship at 7 p.m. Wednesday at
Lackawanna County Stadium in Moosic.
Both teams are guaranteed a spot in the state playoffs. It’s the first time
since 1997 that Seminary will play for the district title and advance to
states.
Crestwood (16-3-2) is eliminated, bringing an impressive streak to an end.
This will be the first time since 1985 that the Comets have not advanced to
the state playoffs. It is an unmatched string of success that Wyoming Seminary
coach Karen Klassner has noted.
“I, personally, have learned a lot over the years from watching (the
Comets),” said Klassner, who is in her 30th year as Seminary’s head coach.
“I have a lot of respect for their program and Elvetta (Gemski, Crestwood’s
head coach). I’ve learned a lot from them about hustling, heart and attitude.
They have it. They’re true champions.”
To move on, Seminary had to match the hustle, heart and attitude of
Crestwood, and accomplished that. Plus, the Blue Knights needed a truly
amazing series of individual efforts to eliminate the Comets.
It started when senior Lauren Powley, Seminary’s All-American midfielder,
earned a free hit for the Blue Knights early in overtime near the Comets goal
with a great solo effort.
“We wanted it over really quick in the overtime,” Klassner said. “If you
give Crestwood a chance ...”
The Comets will eliminate you, which they did to Seminary two of the past
three years in a district semifinal game.
“The seniors have been waiting for this for four years,” Powley said.
“It’s all going to be unleashed on Wednesday.”
First, though, Caroline Blaum unleashed a free hit that went right in front
of Crestwood goalie Mandy Baab. As Baab went to boot the ball away, Janus
started to make a headlong dive in front of the goal.
“It’s definitely an instinctive reaction,” Janus said.
Baab got her foot on the ball, and booted it away from the goal. A split
second later, though, Janus’ stick made contact with the ball, sending it
behind Baab and into the cage.
“I didn’t know the ball was going to come across the center,” Janus said.
“When I saw it, I just dove and gave it everything that I have.”
That was pretty much how all of regulation was played. Each team had great
scoring chances that were thwarted by great defense.
“It was a very even game,” Gemski said. “It was a beautiful hockey game
played by two great teams.
“I am extremely proud of the way we play. We played with a lot of heart
right to the end. It just didn’t happen.”
cutline:
Wyoming Seminary sophomore Anne Marie Janus is hugged by teammates Laura
Suchoski, No. 7, and Lauren Powley, No. 31, after Janus’ overtime goal gave
Seminary a 1-0 victory over Crestwood in a District 2 Class 2A semifinal game.
IN a BOX
FIELD HOCKEY
Class 2A
Wyoming Seminary 1, Crestwood 0 (OT)
Lake-Lehman 4, Lackawanna Trail 0
Class 3A
Coughlin 1, Delaware Valley 0
Class 3A
Abington Heights 1, Hazleton Area 0
North Pocono 3, Williamsport 1
Wyoming Valley West 4, Milton 0
Coughlin 3, Delaware Valley 2
Class 2A
Dallas 7, Valley View 0
Berwick 1, Scranton Prep 0
Lake-Lehman 3, Honesdale 1
Nanticoke 1, Meyers 0
Class A
Wyoming Seminary 6, Elk Lake 0
Seton Catholic 1, Bishop Hannan 0
