Southwick-Powers, Sullivan connection ignites perfect weekend in Albany for GV/Belfast ladies, move to 5-0 with another 2-0 shutout over Section II’s Oppenheim-Ephratah

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WATERFORD — The Abby Sullivan to Hannah Southwick-Powers connection was simply a connection of pure beauty for Genesee Valley/Belfast, Sunday afternoon.

To help clinch what was a perfect weekend away in Albany, the two Genesee Valley/Belfast playmakers came together on two different corner kick opportunities — one bright and early in the game, and the last coming in the final stages to help cement their lead over Section II’s Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville, capturing their fifth straight win in Championship-clinching fashion with a 2-0 shutout.

“We battled back and forth and we finally notched some big goals with Abby and Hannah helping set everything up,” said GV/Belfast co-coach Lisa Scott-Schneider. “We knew they were going to come out fast and they did. Our defense held strong, and our mid-fielders were worked but we got an insurance goal with a mirroring goal from the two girls again later on to help clean up the win. Kimme (Ball) had another big game in goal to get the shutout to help us out too. This was some great stuff, and it was a great tournament to be a part of.”

The first connection between Sullivan and Southwick-Powers came nearly five minutes into the game when Genesee Valley/Belfast (5-0) was presented with one of their first corner kick chances deep in the Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville zone. With it, Sullivan placed it perfectly in front of the opposing cage where Southwick-Powers dug the ricocheted ball free and rocketed it home to break the ice with a 1-0 lead right out of the gate.

The lead was held for a vast majority of the battle ahead, with the defense being tested by the Section II stalwarts every step of the way. But they would accept the challenge and as a result, they would be rewarded for their efforts one final time with eight minutes left in regulation. In one of the last prime opportunities, Sullivan and Southwick-Powers connected one last time on a mirroring goal, just like the opener in the early stages of the first half.

It would tremendously extend Genesee Valley/Belfast’s lead insurmountably, allowing them to peel away and towards tournament glory that awaited for them at the final horn.

Helping the defense hold down the fort was Kimme Ball in between the pipes, as she made five huge stops to ensure their lead remained intact.

Genesee Valley/Belfast is back on the field in Friendship on Wednesday with a 5 p.m. visit against Friendship/Scio.