In the first round of the playoffs in the High School Winter 7s the higher seeds all held serve in both playoff brackets. Today will be the semi-finals in the two pools for a chance to clinch spots in the championship games next weekend. In the first pool the four teams remaining are FLG 2027, Top Guns 2027, FLG 2024, and Liberty 2026. The remaining teams in the second pool are Manhasset, Team Pink, Shamrocks, and Sacred Heart. All teams that have been eliminated from postseason contention will still suit up and hit the rink in consolation games the next two weekends. Here’s a preview of the four semi-final games!
Pool 1 Semi-Finals
FLG 2027 Navy vs Top Guns 2027 Black
After cruising past Baldwin, top seeded FLG has advanced to the semis for a matchup with the fourth seeded Top Guns at 4:15. These two teams faced each other back in week two with FLG winning by a score of 15-3. The three goals for Top Guns were the fewest they’ve scored in a game all season. In that game FLG got multiple goals from five different players and a brilliant game from Megan Caputo who made 14 saves. The constant success for them has been keyed by not relying on one singular player, but getting major contributions from a multitude of players both on offense and defense. Top Guns enters this matchup having earned a big 21-4 win over Empire 2026. Molly Hyland had a dominant game, scoring eight goals to lead the team. The key for them against FLG will be taking care of the ball and winning the 50/50 balls to keep FLG from getting out in transition.
FLG 2024 vs Liberty 2026
This 12:30 semi-finals clash between the second seeded 2024 FLG team and the third seeded 2026 Liberty team has the makings of a nail biter if it’s anything like the way these teams played the first time around. FLG narrowly took that game by a score of 8-7. Hannah Wise had a game high three goals and Dakota Capolino came up big with 12 saves. Both teams held each other to a season low in goals in that matchup and it was Liberty’s only defeat in the regular season. Liberty comes into this game after winning a 16-12 shootout in the quarters against Tradition. They were sparked by four goal games from Sofia Schwarz and Ava Curtis, and three goals from Bridget Cummings. Sienna Klauss also tallied two goals along with two assists. FLG coasted past Jericho with Lauren Perfetto leading the way with six goals and five assists. FLG also got seven points from Kyla Murnane and six points each from Ashlinn Kelly and Hannah Wise. The deciding factor in this game could come down to defense and goaltending, similarly to their first matchup.
Pool 2 Semi-Finals
Team Pink vs Sacred Heart
At 2:45 top seeded Team Pink will look to remain undefeated and punch their ticket back to the finals, while Sacred Heart will aim to pull off the upset and advance to the championship game. Team Pink defeated Port Washington in the quarters and Micaela Gillis exploded with six goals as part of a huge offensive outburst. Team Pink continues to put the pressure on opposing teams with their offense, scoring a minimum of 13 goals in every game this winter while also proving to be tough to score on with Maya Soskin between the pipes. However Sacred Heart comes in with their own offensive firepower, averaging 18 goals per game and are fresh off an 18-11 win over Syosset in the quarters. Between Cady Flaherty, Kaylee Fravert, Charlotte Browne, and Frankie Gray the four combined for 16 of the 18 goals. Both teams have elite individual defenders that will look to contain these high octane offenses.
Manhasset vs Shamrocks
The reigning champs from Manhasset kept their three-peat hopes alive last week after defeating Bethpage. Now they have a date with the Shamrocks at 2:00 who come in having defeated Liberty 2025. This talented group of sophomores will look to upset Manhasset and will need big games from Annie Chimienti, Shannon Steck, Catherine Karman and Leigha Zaman who have stepped up throughout the entire winter. Arguably the biggest difference maker in their win against Liberty was Maya Soskin in the net posting double digit saves. For Manhasset they will have a chance to clinch a spot in the finals once again. They’ve had elite offensive play all winter long and it was on full display last week against Bethpage. Shea Panzik had a dominant eight goal three assist game, Mia LoPinto scored four goals to go along with three assists, and Cate Leder and Katelyn Greeley each added four goals. Overall Manhasset put together a complete game which was signified by Allie Lulov’s 12 saves with a 67% save percentage.
