The Hall/Conard girls hockey team hosted Avon on Monday night in West Hartford for a first round CIAC tournament game, and in their fourth match-up with the Nighthawks this season, completed the sweep with a win.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Scott Sulkazi

In a tightly contested CIAC first round state playoff matchup, Hall/Conard stayed calm and determined, scoring three goals in the third period to beat the Avon co-op, 4-3, and advance to the next round of the state tournament.

The Nighthawks set the pace early, skating with urgency and keeping control for most of the first period. Their aggressive play caused turnovers and kept Hall/Conard on defense. The pressure paid off, and the Nighthawks scored twice to take a 2-0 lead before Hall/Conard found its rhythm.

Hall/Conard slowly improved on defense and started spending more time in the offensive zone. In the second period, Avery Selstad made a big play at 12:46, finding open ice and scoring to make it 2-1. The goal energized the team and put Hall/Conard within reach, going into the last period.

The first two periods were about staying in the game, but the third period was when Hall/Conard started making big plays.

Madeline Bean kicked off the comeback just 3:16 into the period, scoring on a breakaway to make it 3-2. The goal changed the momentum, and Hall/Conard kept the pressure on with smart puck movement, forcing the Nighthawks to defend.

At 10:41, Paige Sweeney scored after a strong team effort, tying the game at 3-3. The goal was the result of persistent forechecking and staying calm under playoff pressure.

Hall/Conard kept pushing.

With momentum on their side, Hall/Conard kept pressing. Late in the game, a hard battle along the boards set up a great chance in front, and Hall/Conard took its first lead of the night with a goal from Piper Royer. That go-ahead goal finished off a strong stretch and completed their three-goal surge in the third period.

After that, it was a test of discipline. The Night Hawks pulled their goalie in the final minutes, trying hard to force overtime. Hall/Conard answered with solid defensive coverage, strong backchecking, and timely clears to hold onto the lead.

When the final horn sounded, Hall/Conard’s 4-3 win showed their determination. After falling behind early, the team came back with scoring from different players, defensive changes, and a strong third period when it counted most.

In the postseason, momentum can change quickly, and chances are rare. Hall/Conard took advantage of their moment and moved on.

Their next-round opponent will be East Catholic, with that game scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 4 p.m. at the Newington Ice Rink. Hall/Conard has faced East Catholic several times already this season – most recently when they defeated the Egales 2-1 in overtime to secure the CCC Championship on Friday, Feb. 27.

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