In the end, it was a pair of seniors that connected for the memory of a lifetime.

Fredonia’s Paige Supkoski took a pass from fellow senior Kazlin Beers and broke free from the defense, then blasted a shot past Dunkirk goalkeeper Kymi Nance for the game-winning goal in overtime. The goal was the difference in a 1-0 victory for the Lady ‘Billies in front of their home crowd for the final time this season.

“On senior night, I can’t think of a better way to end it for that combination to come through,” said Fredonia coach Brett Gould. “That’s a special memory for them.”

“It was a big night for everybody,” said Supkoski. “We had to get it. We were all working hard for it, and I was lucky to be the one to be there.”

Fredonia senior Emily Smith embraces a teammate during halftime of Senior Night against Dunkirk at SUNY Fredonia. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

Each side had a few chances in the first half, but Fredonia goalkeeper Kelly Gullo and Dunkirk’s Kymi Nance each kept the opposition in check with key saves in the frame.

In the second half, Fredonia’s best opportunity to score came with 12:20 left in regulation, as a bouncing ball in the box left the Lady ‘Billies unable to get a solid touch on the ball. Whenever the Lady ‘Billies did have a chance to score in regulation, Nance neutralized the attack with aggressive plays on the ball in the box.

“That was a classic,” said Dunkirk coach Chris Piede. “I thanked my girls after the game for giving 100 percent for 100 minutes. Their effort was outstanding and I was proud of each and every one of them.”

Just over five minutes after the Lady ‘Billies had their best chance of regulation, Fredonia narrowly avoided disaster. A ball was sent into the Fredonia keeper’s box, which led the defender to make a play on the ball with a header. The ball ricocheted off the defender’s head and hard toward the net, but Gullo made a diving save to avoid any damage. Neither team came as close to scoring as that for the rest of regulation.

“Had that ball gone in, that wouldn’t have even been a mistake. Our defender was playing the ball at the right time, and it was just a little bit of a skip off her head,” said Brett Gould. “With Kelly, we coach that. She was in the right place just in case.”

Fredonia’s Emma Wilkins (left) gives Dunkirk’s Olivia Smith a gift during halftime of Fredonia’s Senior Night at SUNY Fredonia on Saturday. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

After a five minute intermission before the first of a pair of 10 minute overtime periods got underway, Supkoski waited just over three minutes of game time let loose a blistering shot to put her team on top for the first time in the game.

“It’s been a build up to that moment for Paige, where in the last few games, she’s done a fantastic job every single game adding another piece to the puzzle,” said Brett Gould. “As soon as that ball was released (to her) I knew in my gut that was a goal, even when she was still 40 yards out. … Nobody was stopping that ball.”

When asked where the moment ranks in her career, Supkoski said, “It’s definitely up there, for sure.”

With 6:45 left in the first overtime, the final 16:45 then became all about holding on for Fredonia.

Despite a flurry of Dunkirk chances on corner kicks with the time winding down, Fredonia was able to get itself out of danger and hang on for the 1-0 rivalry victory on Senior Night. All seven seniors — Gullo, Supkoski, Beers, Lauren Marshall, Emily Smith, Caelin Holt and Ella Gould — played a major part in doing so.

Fredonia’s Sofia Russo (left) embraces Dunkirk’s Kaitlyn Davis during halftime of Fredonia’s Senior Night at SUNY Fredonia on Saturday. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

“Kelly (Gullo) did well with dealing with their counter attacks when the ball did get through. … Kazlin (Beers) and Ella (Gould) were in the center of that field and in total control. … Lauren Marshall, with the success she’s had in the last couple games, they had to account for her. Then when you do that, you sleep on Paige (Supkoski) and there she was. … In the back, Caelin Holt was brilliant. … Emily Smith played a little in the front and a little in the back, and helped us, as well,” said Brett Gould.

For Dunkirk, Nance and the defensive effort in front of her were outstanding, holding Fredonia to just the one goal over 100 minutes of play. In two rivalry games this year, Dunkirk held Fredonia to just a pair of goals in three full hours of game time.

“I told the girls that 10 years from now, maybe they won’t be as upset that they lost, but they definitely won’t forget this one,” said Piede.

SENIOR NIGHT FESTIVITIES

The Lady ‘Billies honored their seven seniors at halftime, but also honored the Dunkirk seniors, as well. Fredonia players presented each of the Dunkirk seniors with a gift before the seven Fredonia seniors walked across the field to greet their families with balloons and flowers in their grasp. Fredonia’s seven seniors all had a favorite memory read aloud to the fans, the first six read by Coach Gould, while Assistant Coach Paul Sellari read Ella Gould’s memory so her father, Brett, could make his way across the field with her.

“Paul Sellari and I have been together a long time, and we’ve been with this particular group of seniors for I can’t even tell you how long,” said Brett Gould. “The kids love him. You could hear during the senior’s memories, how many times they mentioned him. He’s a tremendous coach and a tremendous friend. He’s a mentor to these kids and we wouldn’t be who we are without Paul Sellari.”

“I’m definitely going to remember the people,” said Supkoski. “My coaches and my teammates, every year, it’s been an amazing group of people.”

UP NEXT

Dunkirk (0-14-0) finishes the season with a pair of home games — first on Tuesday against Olean, then a week later on Tuesday, Oct. 15 against Falconer/Cassadaga Valley. Both games are 7 p.m. starts at Dunkirk High School.

“Hopefully we can build from this and have a positive result,” said Piede.

Fredonia (3-5-2, 2-3-2) has three league games next week, all on the road, starting with defending Sectional Champion Allegany-Limestone on Tuesday. Fredonia then plays at Olean on Thursday and at Frewsburg on Saturday morning. The Lady ‘Billies finish the season Oct. 17 at Falconer/Cassadaga Valley.

However the rest of the year plays out, Fredonia’s seniors will always remember Saturday night.

“You could just feel something, and I don’t think it was just because it was Senior Night,” said Brett Gould. “It’s because of who they are. They’re not just good athletes, they’re scholar athletes. They’re all members of the National Honor Society. They’re all involved in clubs. … I think what they did (Saturday) was they led the way. They served their teammates in a way all night. … They deserved that moment and they’ll have that the rest of their life.”