On Saturday afternoon, Coach Vitales Hawks traveled to Genesee Community College for a matchup with Jefferson Community College, with a Region 3 Championship on the the line. 

The Hawks last met the Canoneers in September, when MV was victorious, but by a slim margin and final score of 2-1, despite controlling possession and pace the vast majority of the first matchup. Coming into Saturday, the Hawks were prepared to leave no doubt, that they would be taking home the hardware all the way back to Utica. 

Just 1 minute into the Regional Championship game, the Hawks quickly imposed their will and were able to find the back of the net and take an early 1-0 advantage. The goal was scored by Alexis Bates, off of a pass from Amber Piersma, and both of these young lady's were far from done showing their respective individual talents Saturday afternoon. 

As the game went on, Mohawk Valley continued to control the pace and strategically pick their spots, and in the 38th minute, they again were able to break through the Canoneer defense. It was Piersma who found the back of the net this time, off of a pass from her counterpart Bates, to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead to close out the half and give the Hawks a commanding 2-0 lead. 

Just 19 seconds into the second half, the dynamic duo of Piersma and Bates connected again, when Amber Piersma finished home a pass from Alexis Bates to take a 3-0 lead and all but put away Jefferson Community College. However, 7 minutes later the Canoneers swung back, and ripped a shot into the back of the net to keep their dreams alive and make the score 3-1 with 39 minutes remaining in the match. 

Fortunately for the well rounded Hawks, as one door opened, Mohawk Valley's Krista Panko scored her 10th goal of the season on a pass from Alex Bates (3 assists), to shut that door on JCC, and seal the victory for Mohawk Valley CC by a score of 4-1. 

With the victory Mohawk Valley Community College earned the 2023 NJCAA Region 3 Championship over Jefferson Community College.