Comets Advance After Shootout Victory

In a thrilling battle that stretched beyond 100 minutes of regular and extra time, the Hillcrest Comets and Crookston Pirates locked into a defensive deadlock, sending their North Sub-Section 8A playoff contest to a dramatic penalty kick shootout. The tension at DeLagoon Park was palpable, with fans holding their breath as the teams, evenly matched throughout the game, settled in for a finish that would be decided not by the clock but by the sharp precision of penalty shots.

The match remained scoreless after 80 minutes of regulation and a 20-minute golden goal overtime. Hillcrest's defensive unit, led by the poised goalkeeping of Will Selvig, fended off numerous attempts from the Pirates, who equally showcased their resilience. Both teams had moments in the attacking third, but each attempt was met with a wall of defensive pressure or a stellar save. Neither side was willing to break.

The penalty shootout was no less dramatic. After five shooters from each team converted their kicks, the pressure only mounted as Hillcrest and Crookston traded goals in sudden death. The tension grew heavier with each round, and the crowd could feel the stakes rising.

Hillcrest’s shooters, composed under pressure, delivered when it mattered most. Kian Stender, Drew Fischer, Zane Holmquist, EJ Cho, Haakon Kjaergaard, and even goalkeeper Will Selvig stepped up with precision and confidence to keep their team in the fight. But it was Selvig's heroics in the seventh round that brought the night to a thrilling close. After a composed Lincoln Nash buried Hillcrest's seventh penalty, Selvig dove to his right to stop Crookston's final attempt, sealing the victory 7-6 in the shootout.

Coach Rod Jensen was elated with the outcome, especially given his team's preparation. "It is fortunate we have been working on PKs for the last three weeks! Proud of my team!" Coach Jensen beamed, knowing that the hours of practice had paid off most dramatically.

With this clutch win, Hillcrest faces Fergus Falls, fresh off their shootout victory, on Saturday at DeLagoon Park.