Girls soccer: Rhinebeck wins first sectional title

HYDE PARK –Rhinebeck High School's girls soccer team won the team's first-ever sectional title Wednesday.

The top-seeded Hawks won the Section 9 Class C title at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, defeating second-seeded Chester 2-1 in overtime.

Sophomore Michelle Giamportone scored twice — including 1:25 into the second overtime — to help her team to victory.

"It feels amazing," Giamportone said. "It feels absolutely amazing and it's not just me, it's the team. Without it, it wouldn't be the same."

Rhinebeck (13-3) will face the Section 1 champion at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Arlington High School in a state regional semifinal. The Section 1 Class C title game is on Saturday at Arlington.

Rhinebeck senior forward Rachel Tigges praised Giamportone.

"Michelle had an amazing game," Tigges said. "She always plays the way she should. Once I saw that ball go in the net, it was screaming, but inside I knew it was us. It was our turn."

Giamportone had gotten Rhinebeck on the scoreboard, beating two Chester defenders, and ripping a shot past goalkeeper Stephanie Green in the 26th minute.

Chester tied the score as Stephanie Dudgeon's shot went through the legs of Rhinebeck keeper Dani Amidon from about 30 yards out. Seemingly energized after their first goal, Chester had a couple more scoring chances in the second half.

Giamportone had two golden opportunities in the second half — one was a corner kick cleared away by Chester, and the other sailed over the crossbar with about 4 minutes left in regulation.

Rhinebeck coach Matt Grande said his team was deflated after the tying goal.

"When they walked off the field after full time, it looked like they lost," Grande said. "I had to really explain to them, 'This is not a loss. We've been practicing this all year and we've been in situations like this. This is your time to shine and when champions are made.'

"Everybody played amazing in the overtime when I thought stamina was going to be an issue."

As a preseason promise, Grande will shave off his extremely long salt and pepper beard, which he's been growing for four years, according to his wife.

"That's the icing on top of the cake," Tigges said. "I can't wait to see that thing go."

Phil Strum: pstrum@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4847, Twitter: @PJStrum​