The China Mail - Brodeur’s Overtime Goal Secures Bethlehem’s Second Consecutive Sectional Title

GLENS FALLS — Lauren Brodeur had made a personal vow as an eighth grader when the Bethlehem field hockey team captured its first sectional title in 2022: she would one day be on the field to celebrate that victory herself. On Sunday afternoon, that promise was fulfilled as she became the centerpiece of the Eagles’ celebration for their second straight Section 2 Class A championship.

Brodeur, a senior midfielder, scored the golden goal with 5:13 remaining in overtime to edge Guilderland 1-0 in the title match at Glens Falls High School. The victory marked a significant turnaround for a Bethlehem squad that entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed following a 10-5 regular season.

The win was particularly notable given Bethlehem’s recent history in extra time. Entering Sunday’s championship, the Eagles were 0-3 in overtime games this season, including a 2-1 defeat to Guilderland in double overtime on Oct. 14. Despite that record, Brodeur emphasized the team's confidence in their ability to close out tight matches.

“We know that we are strong in overtime, even though we have lost the past three,” Brodeur said. “It was just about trusting in our teammates that we could do it.”

The decisive moment arrived on Bethlehem’s eighth penalty corner attempt of the game. The play had evolved into a defensive chess match, with both teams combining for 15 penalty corners and zero goals during the first 64-plus minutes of action. Ava Austin appeared poised to take the corner all the way to the net but instead sent a pass through heavy traffic toward Brodeur near the left post.

“Ava is a really high-IQ player,” Eagles head coach Dawn Austin said. “I just knew if I sent the ball to her, she would be able to read the defense and be able to play it and then feed it to whoever was open.”

Brodeur described the finish as instinctive. “All of a sudden, I saw it and I just hit it,” she said. “Our coach doesn't tell us to swipe at it, but I did, and it was amazing. It's an amazing feeling.”

Guilderland, playing in its fourth straight sectional final, entered the game as the top seed with a 14-2 record, including two regular-season victories over Bethlehem. The Lady Dutch had controlled much of the early momentum, holding a 5-1 edge in penalty corners at halftime. They also appeared to score an opening goal with roughly 11 minutes left in the second quarter, but officials ruled that the ball deflected off a Lady Dutch player’s foot, nullifying the tally.

Bethlehem had opportunities to break the scoreless tie late in regulation as well, earning four penalty corners in the final 4:30 of play but failing to convert. Eagles head coach Dawn Austin noted the physical demands of facing a skilled opponent.

“It was back and forth, back and forth,” Austin said. “Guilderland’s a very skilled team. They're fast on their feet, they're athletic and we just had to match their hard work today.”

Austin identified gaining possession first in overtime as the key factor in securing the win. The Eagles’ ninth victory in their last 11 games advances them to the regional final next Sunday at Glens Falls, where they will face the Section 3 champion at 1 p.m.

While Bethlehem has lost in the regional final in each of its past two state tournament appearances, Austin believes this year’s roster is just beginning to reach its peak. “We feel like our team is just coming together finally to the peak of our potential,” she said. “We never give up on the work, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Brodeur credited the program’s leadership and team chemistry for sustaining their success. “Coach [Dawn] Austin and Coach [Kerrigan] Roth put so much effort and energy into this program,” Brodeur said. “I think it's the girls; we all are having an amazing time, and we love each other, and I think that's what's really continuing our success.”

Guilderland finishes its campaign with a 16-3 overall record. The loss marked only their second defeat in a one-score game this season. Goalkeeping duties for Bethlehem were split between Biette and Billotto, who combined for two saves, while Guilderland’s DiPierro made one save.

With the sectional title secured, Bethlehem now looks toward the next stage of the postseason, aiming to break its regional final drought and continue the momentum built over the last month.

L.Kwan--ThChM