The Stillwater girls’ soccer team just absolutely SMOKED Lake George 3-0 on Saturday morning, clinching their third straight Section 2 Class C championship. Yeah, you heard that right: *third straight*. This wasn’t some nail-biter, either. The No. 1 seeded Warriors, defending NYSPHSAA Class C champs, made it look easy against No. 2 Lake George, and now they’re officially headed back to the state tournament.
This Stillwater Dynasty Isn’t Kidding Around
It’s getting to be a familiar sight, isn’t it? For the third year in a row, these two programs have squared off for the Class C title, and for the third year, Stillwater is walking away with the hardware. Coach Christine Ihnatolya said it best: “Each one is just as special. These girls work hard and they work together.” And you can tell. Senior Brooke Hodgson set the tone early, ripping in the first goal about eight minutes into the contest. Talk about making a statement right out of the gate! Ihnatolya totally loved that early strike, saying it “allows you to take a deep breath.” But she kept ’em hungry, reminding the team to play “at 100% from the first whistle to the last.” They clearly listened.
Young Guns Cementing the Legacy
Listen up, because this is where it gets crazy. Freshman Kamryn VanPelt then iced the game early in the second half, just four minutes in, booting a long shot from the corner of the 18 that sailed in for a 2-0 lead. That’s big-time plays from a young player! Coach Ihnatolya has full faith in her, saying, “She’s been such a great asset for us all year long, and I trust what she’s going to do with the ball.” Later, junior Peyton Perretta tacked on the final goal midway through the second half, with another freshman, Kennedie VanPelt, grabbing the assist. This team is *stacked* with young talent. We’re talking 17 players on the roster, and 13 of ’em are between 8th and 10th grade! Brooke Hodgson, the senior leader, is a rockstar, saying the team chemistry is unreal, and “I don’t think there’s anyone on the field that stands out above the rest. We all work really well together.” That’s the secret sauce, right there.
So, what’s next? Stillwater is locked in for the state tournament, and they’ve got a shot at making history again. Remember 2017 when they fell in the state championship, then roared back to win back-to-back state titles in 2018 and 2019? Well, after falling in the state final in 2024 and winning the 2025 state title, this squad has a chance to repeat that insane feat from less than a decade ago. With an unbelievable 59 wins and just five losses during this three-peat run, the rest of the Class C state tournament better be ready. Stillwater isn’t just winning, they’re building a dynasty!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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