Senior Amanda Hilderbrandt scored with 2:35 remaining in the second overtime to lift Hilton to a 3-2 win in a Section V field hockey quarterfinal game against Webster Schroeder.
“I was shaking and it was definitely more meaningful that it was here at “the Beau” (LeBeau Field) with my parents and family here to see it,” Hilderbrandt said about the final game on her home field. “I just shoot it and hope it goes in.”
Freshman Laura Reigle started the game-winning play when she intercepted a Warrior clearing attempt at the 40-yard line and sent a pass to her right wing where Hilderbrandt gathered the ball and charged toward the net before scoring at 7:25 of the second overtime.
The Cadets earlier jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 13:33 of the first half as they converted a penalty corner. Junior Bridget Huber fed classmate Nora Coon, whose attempt found the lower left corner of the net.
Schroeder tied the game 1-1 in the 24th minute, but Hilton regained their one-goal lead five minutes into the second half as Huber raced down the left wing and centered a pass to Hilderbrandt, who was able to find the back of the net.
The Warriors would not go away quietly, however, as they converted a two-on-zero breakaway at 20:19 to again tie the contest 2-2.
Changing to just six players per side per rules for the overtime sessions, Hilton had the better of play with at least four chances that either went wide or were saved over the first ten-minute extra session.
They added several more scoring opportunities in the second overtime before the game-winner.
“I think the shots in overtime totaled a whole season worth of shots,” Hilton head coach Annilese Day said. “Our two forwards are very quick as are our backs, who seem to find a burst of speed when they need it.”
“We definitely could have won it earlier,” Hilderbrandt concluded. “Six-on-six in overtime gave us more space to take advantage of our running.”
Junior Haley Chamberlain was credited with seven saves in the Hilton net.
The fourth-seed Cadets advanced to the Class AA semi-final against top-seed Penfield.
