The Ausable Valley Patriots are crowned the 2026 NYSPHSAA Section VII Class B Girls' Soccer champions with their penalty-kick win. BEEKMANTOWN, N.Y. — After battling through 110 minutes of intense championship soccer and a tense penalty-kick shootout, the top-seeded Ausable Valley Patriots claimed the NYSPHSAA Section VII Class B Girls' Soccer Championship in a dramatic victory over the second-seeded Northeastern Clinton Cougars on Wednesday night at Beekmantown Central School. With a few hundred fans lining the sidelines and a light mist settling over the field during the second half, the two rivals delivered a championship match worthy of the occasion before Ausable Valley prevailed 3-1 in penalty kicks to secure the sectional title. The Patriots struck quickly, taking the lead just four minutes into the match when Elin Post finished a scoring opportunity created by Renne Bruno to make it 1-0. Ausable Valley doubled its advantage in the 17th minute as Nora Rogers found the back of the net off an assist from Anna Bailey, giving the Patriots a commanding 2-0 lead. Northeastern Clinton responded before halftime and gained momentum when Carley Anctil scored in the 30th minute on an assist from Anna Raccine, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the break. The Cougars continued to press in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Lexi Arno scored the equalizer, knotting the match at 2-2 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Neither team found a breakthrough in the remainder of regulation or during two overtime periods, despite several quality chances. The championship would ultimately be decided from the penalty spot. In the shootout, Ausable Valley held its nerve. The Patriots converted key attempts and took a 3-1 penalty lead in the fourth round, sparking a championship celebration as players rushed onto the field. Northeastern Clinton controlled much of the offensive action, finishing with a 13-7 edge in shots on goal. Cougars goalkeeper Peyton Scott recorded five saves, while Patriots goalkeeper Lula Pfendler delivered a standout championship performance with 11 saves, repeatedly denying Northeastern Clinton chances and keeping her team alive until the shootout. With the sectional championship victory, Ausable Valley advances to the NYSPHSAA Class B Tournament and will await the winner of the Section II championship. For the Patriots, the title marks the culmination of a determined postseason run and sends them into the state tournament with confidence and momentum. For Northeastern Clinton, the season ends heartbreakingly close to a sectional crown after a spirited championship effort that required 110 minutes and penalty kicks to decide.Gallery