Earlier in these playoffs—I think it was right after they won the section—I said Briarcliff has state champs written all over them. Well the ink on their faces is dry now and sure enough it says “state champs.”

The Bears, some of whom entered high school two-and-a-half months ago, are on top of the soccer mountain. It took overtime but they beat Marcellus 2-1 yesterday at Tompkins-Cortland Community College to cement their legacy as one of the best groups ever to win a Class B crown. That may sound like overdramatization, especially since I’ve never seen another Class B champion, but how many of those do you think went undefeated, outscored opponents by 93 goals along the way, and beat another undefeated team in the title game. Not many, I’m pretty sure about that. That makes Briarcliff one of the best.

For much of the first half it was Marcellus on the verge of inserting itself into history. The Mustangs, unbeaten and hardly scored upon—four goals allowed all year—took it to the Bears initially. Everyone, not just the defenders but everyone, was desperately trying to protect keeper Chelsea Bodansky. After a few misses it was only a matter of time before Marcellus scored, which it did late in the half.

But Briarcliff’s resilience was what won this game. Off the top of my head I can think of two prior occasions this year had Briarcliff trailed: a 5-4 win over Byram Hills and a 8-4 win over Westlake. Both times they posted gigantic second halves. I wasn’t sure how they’d react being down against a defense like Marcellus. Within minutes of the first goal they’d dusted themselves off and tied it. I think the Mustangs were taken aback by how quickly their impenetrable defense was exploited. After all, they hadn’t seen a goal get past keeper Lauren Fletcher in 12 games—a month and a half. Fletcher, a star volleyball player, was excellent yesterday as well. Just not perfect. As soon as that ball got by her Marcellus was thrown off its game. Briarcliff seized the chance and controlled the action from there on out. Jane Wallis was a big part of that. I thought she played her best game of states.

Liana Cornacchio scored the winner on a header in the first OT period. She was a force of nature all day. People were oohing and ahing in the press box. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the following conversation recently:

Person: “That No. 31 is goood. She playing in college somewhere?”

Me: “She’s a freshman.”

Person: “Are you serious?”

Me: “Yeah, their whole front line are freshman.”

Person (turning toward someone else): “Hey, did you know those girls are all freshmen? Can you believe that? Boy, they’re going to be good.”

 Well I got news for you, Character I Just Made Up, they’re already damn good. Cornacchio in particular elevated her game in playoffs. She scored in five of seven games, including the winner in the state final and semifinal, and was named Most Outstanding Player. Numerous people really did marvel over her and Danielle Christiano and Savina Reid and even the sophs.

I hate to say it, because it means I’ll be in Siberia…er, Cortland…again, but Briarcliff is probably returning to a final four soon. Of course I said that about North Rockland two years ago when a bunch of sophomores went to the title game. That group graduated without making it out of the section again. So even as everyone else sings their praises, Briarcliff’s underclassmen have to both appreciate what they just accomplished and not take the future for granted.

Captain Amy Wagner heads seven departing seniors. Kira Pancotti, Ali Vitali, Molly Kadish, Chelsea Bodansky, birthday girl Megan Hewett, and Lindsay Stoffer are also leaving. Although I hear AD Chris Drosopolous is cooking their grades so they fail and have to come back next year.