CORTLAND — With the clock winding under 10 minutes and flurries drifting across the field, junior Melena Cerulli found an opening and slipped her shot into the net, extending Commack's lead and giving the Cougars vital breathing room. From there, every second felt like a countdown to history.

Commack went on to defeat Section III’s Cicero-North Syracuse, 2-0 , on Sunday afternoon at Homer High School, capturing the state Class AAA title. It is the program’s first state championship.

“We always talk about how nothing is given,” coach Joseph Brandofino said. “They earned it, they earned every second of it. They fought during every single game, and to bring this back to the community, it’s so special.”

Cerulli, who had entered the game seconds earlier, said she was ready for th

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