Late goal from Granby lifts Bears past Canton in Class S; Guilford ousts Avon

Canton’s Ashley Huff, left, and Granby’s McKenzie Pedersen battle for the ball in Thursday’s Class S tournament game in Granby. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

GRANBY, Nov. 9 – McKenzie Pedersen scored with 3:50 left in regulation to lift the Granby High field hockey team to a 1-0 win over Canton in the quarterfinals of the CIAC Class S tournament on Thursday.

The NCCC champion Bears had plenty of opportunities with 13 penalty corners. Canton had just two penalty corners and just one shot on goal. Nina DeGagne earned the shutout for the No. 2 Bears, now 16-1-1 on the year.

Granby (16-1-1) advances to next week’s Class S semifinals when they will face No. 3 Immaculate-Danbury (15-1-1-1). No. 10 Canton ends the season with a 8-6-3-1 record.

Canton’s Abby Charron moves the ball upfield in Thursday’s Class S game in Granby. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

Canton’s Julianna Iovine controls the ball in Thursday’s Class S quarterfinal game. (Photo by Bill Brewster)

The Bears have won 10 straight games over the Warriors and 24 of the last 25 between the two schools. Canton’s last win over Granby came in 2013. It was the first tournament game between the two programs since meeting in the 2007 Class S final when the Bears prevailed, 3-0.

Avon eliminated
GUILFORD, Nov. 9 –Olivia Clarke scored two goals as No. 3 Guilford dominated in a 6-0 win over No. 6 Avon in Thursday’s Class M quarterfinal game Thursday. Ella Stanley and Mallory Peters each had goals for the Indians (16-3-1), who will face No. 2 Hand (15-1-2) in next week’s semifinals. Avon ends the season with a 9-5-1-3 record.

Canton’s Ameilia Brightly (2) dribbles the ball in Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Granby in the Class S quarterfinals in Granby. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)