MCGRAW – Valley Heights Lady Crusaders fell just short to the Syracuse Eagles in the ESCAL league championship game, losing 2-1.

The Crusaders were seeded fourth in the league at the end of the regular season were coming off an impressive win as they took down first place Finger Lakes Tigers in playoffs. Facing the two seeded Eagles, VHCA was on the prowl for another upset.

Within the first five minutes of the game, the Lady Eagles found a hole in the Crusaders defense, and immediately went up 1-0. VHCA fought hard the rest of the half to hold the Eagles at bay and keep the game separated by a goal.

In the second half, Crusaders Grace DuVall used a powerful kick to clear the ball down the field and found Macey Montgomery. Montgomery used her foot work to get through the Syracuse defensive line and manage a to get a shot off that passed by the Eagles keeper, tying the score at one a piece.