Broadneck senior forward Allison Haun wasn't quite sure how many goals she has scored this season, correctly guessing five, but this she did know: Her last high school goal was her biggest.
By far.
It also was the only goal in yesterday's Class 4A state championship field hockey game at Goucher College, providing the Bruins with a well-earned 1-0 victory over defending co-champion Westminster and their second state crown.
The win completed an improbable playoff run and a 12-4-1 season that got better with time.
In coming away with the East regional title, the Bruins avenged regular-season losses to Anne Arundel County rivals Chesapeake and South River. Then, although they were making their first state playoff appearance since their last state title, in 1986, they looked right at home in recording a 2-1 semifinal win over Frederick on Thursday before stopping Westminster.
"I can honestly admit the first time we came out together for practice, we didn't think that we would ever get this far. And then I think once we beat Chesapeake and South River, we were like, 'Oh, my gosh, we can actually do this,' " said Broadneck senior goalkeeper Lisa Scarborough, who finished with three saves yesterday.
"I don't have words to explain it. I'm so happy we're here."
With a 13-3 advantage in shots, the Bruins had the better of play for big chunks of the game, but the Owls (8-6-2) proved dangerous in transition. Finally, with 3:49 left in the second half, Haun and the Bruins got the ball past Westminster junior goalie Lindsay Leese (nine saves) on their 10th of 13 penalty corners.
Morgan Kimberly had the first chance from the right bang off the far post to Haun, who quickly controlled the ball and sent it past Leese.
"It was just wonderful that we could pull together as a team," Haun said. "I'd definitely would say that we don't have any specific stars on our team. We just all play together, and it's awesome. I happened to be at the right place at the right time with my stick down, and we were fortunate to get it around the goalie."
As impressive as the goal was, how the Bruins handled the final 3:49 with the lead, keeping the Owls sealed in and earning three more penalty corners. Westminster didn't even cross the middle of the field, let alone get any quality time in the Bruins' scoring arc.
"They took a timeout, which I was actually glad that they did," said Broadneck's first-year coach, Melissa Quigley. "We just told the girls to calm down, take a deep breath and keep it down there."
For the Owls, winners of six state titles and finalists three other times, it was a rewarding season that fell one game short under first-year coach Mary Beth Francis.
"We worked really hard to get here, and we're still proud of ourselves," said senior forward Ali Bates. "We all gained a lot of confidence in ourselves and each other. It was a huge bonding season for us - ups and downs all around - and it was great."