In a semifinal containing the two top goal-scorers, Keegan St. Cyr and Millie Caldon, offense was expected. However, it was stellar defense stealing the show.

 Gilford benefitted from an early goal; Macy Sawyer fired a shot which led to a rebound being buried by Elizabeth Albert just six minutes in. For the remaining 74 minutes, the teams and crowd watching were locked-in to a defensive thriller.

 Hopkinton’s dynamic duo of Keegan St. Cyr and Katie Brown combined for an astonishing 52 goals in just 12 games. Those two, along with Elizabeth Holmes, constantly linked on plays through the center of the pitch.

 Time and time again, those plays seemed sure to result in St. Cyr scoring a highlight reel goal. Gilford’s defense understood how talented and dangerous she was. Their goalkeeper, Ariah Dewar, was up to the challenge.

 The match was quiet most of the way. It felt like Hopkinton had the momentum for the majority of it, but were stuck trying to erase the 1-0 Gilford lead.

 One last hope came in the form of a St. Cyr shot, just inside the box. It sliced wide of the goal, and Gilford knew at that moment, they had survived. The defending champs are back in the title game having yet to allow a goal against in the tournament. 

 The Golden Eagles will take on St. Thomas in the Division III Championship on Sunday afternoon. 

  Berkley Stevens brings you all the play-by-play while Ben Conant brings you all the highlights and the post-game interview/celebration with the entire team. 

 Our coverage is brought to you by our partners Kevin Shaw at Roche Realty, NH Chapter of the Cure Starts Now Foundation, and 603 United!