After its win over Severna Park in the Class 4A state field hockey semifinals Wednesday, Westminster High knew it would ring hollow if it didn’t finish with the state title.
With a swing of her stick Saturday, Megan Macera made sure the Owls did just that. Her tally with under two minutes remaining in overtime, lifted No. 4 Westminster to a 5-4 decision for the state championship at Washington College.
Macera and Ashton Maseth each scored twice for the Owls, and Jordan Wilkins added a goal. Senior Sarah George scored three times for Dulaney, and Abby Sprinkel had a goal.
Macera punched a shot in front of Dulaney’s goal, completing a perfect 19-0 campaign for the Carroll County school. The Owls had a shot an unbeaten season ruined by Severna Park in last year’s title game.
“It was surreal to score the game winning goal,” said Macera, “but everyone on the team is very supportive and has faith in one another.”
The Owls’ faith as well as mettle was taken to the limit by Dulaney (12-6), which overcame a two-goal deficit in the second half to force overtime. George, who tallied 13 goals over the final three post games, scored twice within 10 minutes, pulling the Lions even at 3.
Sprinkel completed the surge with a goal. The Owls responded with under two minutes left in regulation as Maseth finished off a loose ball.
Westminster struck first in the opening half with a goal by Macera. George, who will play for the U.S. Naval Academy next season, tallied her first score with under 14 minutes left in the first half.
The Owls appeared headed to the title in regulation after goals by Maseth and Wilkins made it 3-1 with about 17 minutes remaining. Westminster dominated the final stat sheet with a 30-12 shot advantage and 10 more penalty corners than Lions, but Dulaney, in his first title game in three decades, didn’t quit.
“I’m not upset over the loss because I am very proud to have come this far. The progression between our county win and now is immeasurable,” said George. “It is huge to come back after being down by that much to such a great team.”
Lions coach Kendra Whaley sadthe appearance in the state finals was the “icing on the cake,” to a great season.
“The development of the team allowed us to peak at the perfect time,” said Whaley, who’ll have 13 players returning next season as senior. “Our trip to the finals can only prepare us for the next season.”
