PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WROC) - Two years ago, the Pittsford hockey team fell in the state semifinals to West Genesee. This Saturday, the Panthers have a shot at redemption, taking on West Genesee in the semifinals of this year's state tournament. Heading into the game, Pittsford comes off a sectio nal title as well as a state quarterfinal win over Ithaca. "Especially in this last month with sectionals, the team's really come together, and the chemistry on and off the ice has been at an all-time high," senior Griffin Rizzi said. "I'm just super excited to see what the team has in store for this weekend. We've put a lot of work and time and leadership into this. We care so much about each other, and we really want to see each other succeed." Even with the dominant 4-1 win in the Class A championship, some seniors felt their team was doubted ahead of states. The Panthers proved some of that doubt wrong when they took the first-round win over Ithaca. "I think a lot of people didn't think we had Ithaca because maybe we don't have the biggest point scorer, but I think our team just, like I said before, a lot of grittiness," senior Ethan Daley said. "We want to show that Pittsford is a great hockey team and will continue to be." Proving its talent in the quarterfinals, Pittsford is now up against an undefeated West Genesee team. "We're trying to get as prepared as possible, and the more prepared we are, the more confident we feel. All you can do is give it your best shot, and if they're better than we are, it is what it is, but we're going to go out there and try to give them the best game that they've had all year," head coach Rory Foster said. "But, again, the games are played on the ice. It's not whoever has the best record advances." Many players on this year's roster experienced the 3-0 semifinal loss in 2023. Even though that season ended in heartbreak, Pittsford isn't feeling the pressure this time around. "It's nice to be playing them again, we're glad to see them again. They're a very good team, but we think we can win and we want to come out there and give it our all," Rizzi said. Junior Ryan Munzinger also gave credit to his upcoming opponent. "They've always been a really good team, we've played them a few times over the last couple years, and it's always been such a great game," he said. "I'm excited to play them; it should just be a great test for us." Pittsford has already proven to be at the top of Section V. Now in the state competition, the opponents are more difficult to overcome, but Foster is confident in his group's abilities. "If you make it out of especially our section, I think our section's one of the toughest in the state, if you make it out of Section V you have a really good chance, but you have some really tough teams. It's a gauntlet to get to the final four," he said. "Again, we feel fortunate to be there. Not because we don't feel like we deserve it, but because we've beaten a lot of really good teams. These guys have worked really, really hard. Win or lose, they got the opportunity to be here, which is exciting." Pittsford will face West Genesee on Saturday, March 15th at 2 p.m. ...read more read less