The No. 3 Canandaigua Gray Wolves captured the Class AA2 sectional championship Friday night, defeating top-seeded Pittsford Sutherland 43-34 at Finger Lakes Community College.
Canandaigua (18-5) avenged a regular-season loss to the Knights and secured its second sectional title in the past four seasons behind a strong defensive performance that held Sutherland (21-2) well below its season scoring average.
The Gray Wolves set the tone early, opening the game on a 10-3 run and maintaining control for much of the first half. Pittsford Sutherland briefly grabbed momentum early in the third quarter, using a 7-2 run to take a 24-20 lead midway through the period.
Canandaigua responded with a 10-0 run over the final three minutes of the third quarter to regain control and take a 30-24 lead into the fourth. Late in the final quarter, Leah Sheridan converted an and-one layup on an inbound play to extend the Gray Wolves’ lead, and Sophia Frayne added two free throws as Canandaigua closed the game with several key defensive stops.
Frayne led the way for Canandaigua with a game-high 25 points while also blocking four shots. The sophomore earned tournament MVP honors. Gianna Buchere added nine points, Sheridan scored seven, and Lola Schorr finished with two.
Petra Hunt led Pittsford Sutherland with 13 points, including three three-pointers. Lucy Bush added 10 points, Madison Littlefield finished with nine, and Mackenzie Dermody scored two.
With the victory, Canandaigua advances to face Class AA1 champion Webster Schroeder in the Class AA Far West Regional qualifier on Tuesday night.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.