Penn Yan Takes Akron in Westerns

June 4, 2016 -  SPORTSFIVE REPORT:  The Penn Yan Mustangs scored the first goal and never lost the lead as they defeated the Akron Tigers 17-6 in the Western Regionals in Buffalo. Penn Yan led 4-1 after the first quarter and then scored seven more to enter the half-time break up 11-3. Slowing the pace a bit in the third they led 14-5 before finishing the game at 17-6.

Austin Fingar (4g-8a) and Sean Emerson (6g-2a) combined for most of the Mustang offense although eight players made the offensive book for Penn Yan. Although the offense received top billing the Penn Yan defense was equally productive. Key defensive assignments by senior defenseman Tanner Irwin and sophomore defenseman Coty Bailey were of particular note as they stifled offensive attacks, picked up key ground balls and helped move the ball down field during clears. After a slow start, in fact, the Mustangs were relentless on loose ground balls, often chasing them down from long distances.

In the cage, senior Gage Ponsetti made some dramatic saves and ended the game with 12s/6ga.

The Mustangs move on to the semifinal round in Syracuse at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. They will be playing Cazenovia on Wednesday at 5:30. It will be the fourth meeting of the two teams in the semifinals and Cazenovia has won close games in each of the previous three meetings.