Girls soccer: Geneva clinches share of UEC River

One goal down for Geneva's girls soccer team - several more remaining.

The Vikings (17-1-1, 5-0-1) clinched a share of their first Upstate Eight Conference River Division title Tuesday night.

Sophomores Jenna Dominguez (penalty kick), Sydney Gratz and Caitlin Farrell netted goals as the Vikings defeated St. Charles East (8-4-6, 3-2-1) 3-1 on Tri-Cities Night in Batavia.

"It's a goal the girls set for themselves and they went out and fought for it," said Vikings coach Megan Owens, whose team handed the Saints a 4-0 setback last month in their own tournament.

"It's our first in the Upstate Eight - which is awesome. East gave us a good battle and we knew they would. It just speaks to our talent this year that the girls were able to achieve it."

Geneva struck first, capitalizing on a hand ball call in the box with Dominguez converting the penalty kick in the 33rd minute.

Midway through the second half, the Vikings sealed the deal on goals from Gratz and Farrell within a 1-minute span.

Gratz received a quick feed from Alicia White and waited patiently before finding the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The lead swelled to 3-0 some 60 seconds later as Farrell's persistence paid on a point-blank shot.

"I was frustrated in the first half," said Farrell, who hit the crossbar with a blast six minutes before halftime.

"My teammates were helping me but I just kept missing so I wanted to get it back in the second half. I'm glad that we finally figured it out."

Owens expressed satisfaction with her team's determination.

"We knocked on the door a lot," she said. We had like three crossbars that were so close. I knew if they would keep working that they'd get it.

"I was very happy with our offensive effort tonight. They really got after it and put the pressure on."

St. Charles East averted the shutout on a penalty kick by sophomore Kayla Villa with 11:23 remaining.

"Some of the younger girls who stepped in in the second half - job well done," said Saints coach Paul Jennison.

"I know the result is disappointing but anyone who was watching the game has to understand the things we were putting together there."

The Saints also took a physical beating of sorts, losing the services of junior forward Chantel Carranza (ankle) late in the first half and senior midfielder Claire Rasmussen (leg) midway through the second half.

"I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that we can give her (Carranza) enough time to be fit and healthy (for postseason play).

"There's no need for anyone to be negative or upset tonight. We gave a good account of ourselves and I think there's going to be more from us to come."

Both teams begin regional action next week.

"It's a very good confidence builder and momentum builder heading into the postseason," said Owens. "We know we'll see them again and every game is different."

"I'm excited for the girls going into next week," said Jennison.