The fall playoff season came to an end for Hotchkiss on Saturday with a 4-2 loss to Sacred Heart in the semifinals of the NEPSAC tournament.

Although the Bearcats (12-4) scored the first goal of the game with fewer than four minutes off the clock, they were unable to hold the lead against the top-seeded Tigers, who had also beaten Hotchkiss earlier in the season. Sacred Heart would go on to be upset by the #2 seed Andover in the championship on Sunday.

Head coach Kait Leonard wrote, “The game on Saturday was a tough one to lose, especially since our girls played so hard. We came out of the gate strong, scoring the first goal of the game. Sacred Heart was quick to follow with some solid corner execution, tallying up a few goals in the first quarter as well.

“I'm so proud of the way our team came out in the second half. Poised, ready to fight and never give up. We controlled the pace of the second half, seeing a few opportunities and corners, eventually coming up with a stroke in the fourth quarter.

“The speed of the game was fast and furious, and our girls were in it the whole way through. I could not have asked any more of them. It was a hard fought game and I am so proud. A tough way to end such an incredible season.”