The Skaneateles boys hockey team came up just short of being able to defend its Section III, Division II title on Wednesday.

Up against the No. 1 Division II team in the state in New Hartford, the second-seeded Lakers were unable to stop the Spartans defensively and fell 4-1 in the semifinals.

The Spartans (23-2) will play Corcoran at the Syracuse War Memorial on Sunday for the sectional title. New Hartford scored in each period to pull away with the win over Skaneateles. Thomas Fioentino racked up three goals for the Spartans, along with an assist to lead the way.

In his final game as a Laker, Lex Johnson scored the lone goal for his team - in the second period off a combined pass from Brandan Major and Sean Cooney. By then, the Spartans had amassed three goals and the Lakers couldn't catch up. Trevor Diamond picked up 33 saves as New Hartford peppered the Skaneateles goalie with shots throughout the game.

The Lakers end their season 16-9-1.

Spartans 4

Lakers 1