Local roundup: Stevens girls soccer wins in PKs, advances to semifinals

CLAREMONT — A full 100 minutes wasn’t enough to settle a postseason classic between Stevens and Hopkinton in the NHIAA Division III girls soccer quarterfinals. No bother to the No. 3 seed Cardinals, who will gladly take the win, 4-2 in penalty kicks, over the No. 6 seed Hawks at Monadnock Park on Friday afternoon.

This one was scoreless after regulation and two overtimes to set up the decisive PK battle. After coming up with several key saves in the second half, Stevens goalie Hailey Knight made two big stops in penalty kicks and then scored the final PK goal to send the Cardinals (15-1-1) to the semifinals.

"That is her 16th shutout of the season and there is a reason why," Stevens Coach Tim St. Pierre said. "Hailey is a great goalkeeper and we have great backs."

Stevens was down 2-1 in PKs before scoring on their next three kicks while Knight stopped Hopkinton. Tori Dalke, Navaeh LeBlanc and Isabella Bovell had the other successful PK attempts for the Cardinals.

Stevens will play either Gilford or Derryfield in the semifinals on Monday at Bank of NH Stadium in Laconia, with kickoff at 4 p.m.

STOWE, Vt. — The No. 3 seed Raiders scored twice in the first two minutes and never looked back in this VPA Division III quarterfinal victory over the Yellowjackets.

“This was a tough way for the season to end,” Windsor coach Jeff Bachey said. “Credit to Stowe for having a great team. I want to thank my four seniors for everything during their time in the program. They definitely left their mark.”

Bachey praised the work of Brianna Barton in both the midfield and defensive end. Keeper Sophia Rockwood made 16 saves. The Yellowjackets (11-5-0) graduate Estella Attwood, Ash LaVanway, Audri Pettirossi and Skylar Thibodeau.

PROCTOR, Vt. — The second-seeded Phantoms shut out upset-minded No. 10 seed Rivendell in the VPA Division IV quarterfinals.

Keeper Ryleigh Butler, the lone senior on the roster, anchored the Rivendell defense with 14 saves. Isabel Greb scored both goals for Proctor.

Rivendell closes the season at 6-10-0.

WOODSTOCK — The top-seeded Wasps made quick work of the Tigers in the VPA Division II quarterfinals.

Two goals by Hannah Gubbins, and one by Lily Gubbins, helped Woodstock (13-1-0) to  a 3-0 lead at halftime. Norah Harper added two in the fourth quarter for some additional insurance. Grace Laperle, Natalie Parent, Hannah Gubbins and Fleur Smeyers all had assists.

The Wasps controlled play throughout, racking up a 14-3 advantage in penalty corners. Goalie Audrey Emery made three saves for the shutout. Coach Leanne Tapley praised the overall team effort, highlighting the great passing of the midfielders to help set up scoring chances.

Woodstock will battle No. 4 seed Spaulding in the semifinals on Tuesday at Burr & Burton.

CLAREMONT — The Cardinals saw their five-game winning streak snapped by undefeated Trinity in the regular season finale.

Down 22-0 midway through the third quarter, Stevens showed some life with a couple of running scores by quarterback Tyler Christian to make it 22-14 with six and a half minutes left in the fourth. On the ensuing Trinity possession, Stevens continued its momentum surge by recovering a fumble on the second play from scrimmage. Hopes then faded when Trinity intercepted a Cardinals pass two plays later and then capped that drive with a touchdown to go back up by two scores.

The Cardinals, who had won five straight after opening the season 0-3, finish the regular season at 5-4. Trinity improves to 9-0 and remains atop the NHIAA Division III standings.

MIDDLEBURY — The No. 6 seed Hurricanes (4-5) saw their season come to an end in the VPA Division I quarterfinals at No. 3 seed Middlebury.

Hartford will graduate 11 players, including captains Connor Tierney and AJ Aldrich.

LEBANON — The winless Raiders trailed, 27-0, after a quarter and the Spartans (5-4) mostly played reserves the rest of the way. 

Tanner Ames’ block of an extra point attempt and a Conlyn Manson fumble recovery were the highlights for Lebanon (0-9). 

The Raiders suffered their seventh shutout and were outscored, 393-20, a year after reaching the NHIAA Division II semifinals.

HANOVER — The Bears (6-3) couldn’t keep pace with unbeaten Pelham (9-0) in the regular season finale.

Hanover will now regroup and refocus with the playoffs starting in one week.