TENNERTON, W.Va. (WV News) — With No. 2 Buckhannon-Upshur’s season and chances at repeating as sectional champions on the line, Mallory Hughes delivered with a key defensive play to before netting the game-winner in a 4-3 penalty kick shootout win over No. 3 University in a Class AAA Region I, Section 2 semifinal.
“It might not have been our best performance but we never gave up or gave in,” Buckhannon-Upshur coach Jason Piacente said. “In the end it came down to trusting our players. I believe in them and they found a way.”
University nearly upended Buckhannon-Upshur after regulation ended scoreless.
Buckhannon-Upshur goalkeeper Harley Dean managed to make a diving save on a cross shot from Addie Savage in the first overtime for her only save of the game in the shutout win.
However, it would be the second extra period where the Hawks nearly dealt the dagger.
University’s Siena Mahle collected a rebound in the left corner of the box following a collision, shooting into a seemingly open net as Dean scrambled to get back into position. However, Hughes showed great presence of mind to head a surefire Hawk goal safely out of bounds to preserve the tie with just over 90 seconds left.
The two shots on goal were the Hawks’ only ones in the game.
“I knew the best thing I could do was drop back and give my best goalie impression without using my hands,” Hughes said. “I haven’t ever really been able to jump but I’m glad I got high enough that time.”
Still tied through 100 minutes of play, action moved to a penalty shootout to decide who advanced.
University stole the momentum early with Montana Johannsen beating Dean to the left.
Sidney Hollen followed for Buckhannon-Upshur, pulling the Buccaneers even by beating University goalkeeper Ila Roberts to the left.
University’s Kenya Huckabee then beat Dean to the left as University regained the edge.
While Buckhannon-Upshur senior captain Hannah Boyles attempted to go low to the right, Roberts recovered to make the save.
University missed out on a chance to distance themselves as Mads Howell’s shot up the middle was stonewalled by Dean to give the Buccaneers new life.
Dean proceeded to beat Roberts low to the left to even up the shootout at 2.
University managed to maintain an advantage as Addis Savage scored on a rocket shot to the high to the left.
The Buccaneers stayed even at 3-all as Grace Queen scored low to the right before University’s Olive Metzner missed high to open up a chance for Buckhannon-Upshur to put the game away.
In the type of moment that soccer players grow up dreaming of, Hughes delivered, blasting a shot low to the left towards the net. While Roberts had played valiantly all game in the net for the Hawks, recording five saves in regulation, Hughes’ shot snuck through for the game-deciding score.
“It was a nerve-wracking situation to step into but I felt prepared for the moment,” Hughes said. “After I made it the joy I felt was amazing. I’m happy just to get another game with this team and have the chance to keep going farther.”
The loss brings University’s season to a close at 4-14-3.
With the win, Buckhannon-Upshur (12-7) moves into the Class AAA Region I, Section 2 title game against No. 1 seed Bridgeport on Thursday, Oct. 24. The Buccaneers toppled the Tribe in last year’s sectional final, but Bridgeport avenged that loss with a 2-0 regular season victory back on Oct. 3.
“We’re going to play our style, do what we do best and let that take us as far as it can,” Piacente said. “We’ll definitely look to keep the positive momentum rolling against a familiar foe in Bridgeport.”
– By Dalton Wright (WV News)
