Nail-biting victory for Golden Flashes is shootout special

Champion last made it to the district final in 1993.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
WARREN -- Champion and Warren Kennedy don't play tournament games -- they play epics.
And for the second straight year, JFK's drama ended in tragedy.
Junior Christa Andamasaris scored on Champion's final kick to break a 2-2 shootout tie, giving the Golden Flashes a 3-2 shootout win Wednesday in a Division II district semifinal at JFK High School.
JFK had the last shot in the shootout, but Natalie Minotti's attempt hit off the top crossbar.
"This is the best year we've had in five years and this is the best record we've had in five years," said Champion coach Dan Houle. "It's nice that [the Flashes] got something to show for their effort."
Champion beat JFK in a shootout in last year's sectional final.
"With Champion, the games always seem like grinders," said JFK coach Billy Roberts. "It was a great game. Fun for the fans, but not too much fun for the coaches."
Champion (11-5) advanced to play at Hubbard Saturday in a district final. The Flashes lost to Hubbard in the district semifinal last season. Champion last made it to the district final in 1993.
Field conditions: The two teams played to a scoreless tie at the end of regulation on a rain-soaked field that seemed to sap the energy from most players within the first 10 minutes.
In the first overtime, Champion senior Megan Gray gave the Flashes a 1-0 lead with three minutes remaining. JFK senior Katie Roberts tied the game on an assist by senior Kristen Sylvester with a minute to go in the second overtime.
In the shootout, Roberts and Sarah McNeil scored to give JFK a 2-1 edge, but Champion keeper Elizabeth Wood blocked Kristen Sylvester's shot and Eagle keeper Michelle Rossio's attempt was wide right.
Gray and Brianne Kochunas each made kicks to tie the shootout at 2 before Andamasaris scored the winning goal.
"I'm speechless. Victory. That's all I can say," Andamasaris said. "I was walking up to the ball and I told myself, 'Put it in the back of the net and let's go home.' "
The Flashes out-shot the Eagles 15-8. Wood had seven saves and Rossio had 15.
The Eagles beat Champion 1-0 earlier in the season. In the past seven meetings between the two teams, Champion has scored two goals and won three games, Roberts said.
"This is the best senior class I've had," said Roberts. "I really felt like we had a chance to do something in the regionals. I guess it wasn't meant to be."
The winner of the Hubbard-Champion game will advance to the Kent State regional on Oct. 31.
"We're excited to get the opportunity to play Hubbard," Houle said. "We're playing well right now."
scalzo@vindy.com