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Hilton field hockey keeps making history with comeback regional playoff win
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- Hilton field hockey keeps making history with comeback regional playoff win
While Hilton was down on the scoreboard Nov. 7 during a Class A field hockey regional game, the Cadets were far from falling out of the state tournament.
The Cadets scored three unanswered goals at Webster Schroeder to rally past Orchard Park 3-1 and win the state quarterfinal.
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A first-time Section V champion this season, Hilton advanced to the Class A state semifinals Nov. 14 at Arlington High School, east of Poughkeepsie.
"The leadership of the older girls has really trickled down to the younger girls," Hilton coach Annelise Day said. "They've really just bought in.
"They want it, they keep playing and keep shocking the world."
The Cadets should find out their opponent Nov. 8, when Rome Free Academyfrom the Syracuse/Utica region of the state plays Bethlehemfrom the Albany area.
Windsor from the Binghamton region of the state is in the other semifinal. Northport from Section XI on Long Island and Mamaroneck from Westchester County sort out Nov. 8 which team will be Windsor's opponent at Arlington High.
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The Orchard Park Quakers threatened to move on to the state semifinals instead of Hilton, by scoring first at Schroeder and holding that one-goal lead at halftime.
Izabella Sennscored on a penalty corner in the second quarter while Hilton was "scrambling" to replace injured senior defender Hailey Connolly, who later returned to the game.
Liana Filippettidelivered what the Cadets needed most early in the second half, and that was a goal.
Kaitlyn Melosinserted or passed the ball into play on a corner, and Filippetti took it from there with a hard, straight shot from near the top of the circle. The score was 1-1 with 7:33 remaining in the third quarter.
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"That shifted the momentum," Day said. "We kind of had a tough first half, then everything started to fall into place.
"We were playing much more connected."
Hilton’s Raegan Lent shoots celebrates her first half goal with teammate Ryleigh Lent during their Section V Class A field hockey sectional final Monday, November 2, 2026 at Irondequoit High School.
Raegan Lentgave the Cadets the lead about five minutes later. Mattingly Frommgave an assist.
"Three passes, the defense never touched the ball," Day said. "The assist came from the end line."
Avery Anneturned Hilton's lead into two goals with about five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
James Johnson, who grew up in the city of Rochester, has worked as a full-time journalist covering high school sports for the Democrat and Chronicle since 1996.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hilton field hockey keeps making history with comeback regional playoff win
