BOSTON – The St. Mary’s of Lynn girls hockey team became state champions for the first time since 2013 with a remarkable comeback at TD Garden on Sunday.
The top-seeded Notre Dame Academy of Hingham tied the game in the final moments of regular time, but the No. 2 Spartans (23-3-1) secured a hard-earned 5-4 victory in triple overtime to claim the title.
Freshman Alyssa Norden scored her second goal with only 2:26 remaining in the third overtime, concluding a play from fellow freshman Bella Freitas (two goals, assist). Senior Gianna Tringale displayed exceptional skill in goal to triumph in a remarkable duel against Cougars senior Ava Larkin (30 saves), making 14 of her 39 saves in the sudden-death period.
The Spartans had to come from behind twice in regular time, seeking redemption for last year’s defeat in the championship game with an almost entirely new team.
St. Mary’s head coach Frank Pagliuca said, “I’m extremely proud of the kids; the game could have gone either way. The late goal we conceded was tough, but the kids persevered and remained focused. They showed incredible determination and effort today, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Tringale added, “It’s simply amazing. It was my last high school game at the TD Garden, and even if we had lost, it would have been a fantastic experience. But, hey, we won.”
Cougars eighth-grader Emma Burke appeared to stun the Spartans with a goal to tie the game 4-4 in the closing seconds of regular time. Both teams then demonstrated remarkable tenacity.
Both teams had excellent scoring opportunities throughout the three extra periods, with Tringale making crucial saves and Larkin repelling a chance from Freitas in double overtime. The Spartans, with fewer players available, showcased impressive defensive play from eighth-grader Vanessa Hall and Abby Malcuit, and drew four penalties from NDA – all involving Freitas.
The final penalty led to the game-winning goal. Keira Twomey passed the puck to Freitas in the right circle, and after outmaneuvering Larkin near the goal, she sent the puck towards the far post. Norden was there to score.
Norden scored both her goals after recovering from a notable injury early in the second period. St. Mary’s outscored NDA 4-1 after her return.
Norden commented on the game-winner, saying, “We always worked together, I love being on the same line as (Freitas). When I got back on the ice in the second period, I was determined to play. It changed my approach to the game because right after returning, I scored.”
Perhaps no one appeared as disheartened after the game-tying goal as Tringale did in the moments following regulation. She displayed exceptional resilience, particularly after NDA had the first five shots in overtime and outshot the Spartans 7-4 in double overtime.
Tringale stated, “My teammates were looking at me, and I had to turn around and concentrate on the next shot. They trusted me, and I have to reciprocate that trust and not dwell on the previous shot or goal.”
"She was very tough, I truly believe that she secured our win in that game," Pagliuca added. "I'm so proud of her, the kid hadn't started a varsity game until her senior year. So think about how much progress she has made.
The Cougars twice took the lead earlier, with Devon Moore scoring in the first three minutes of the game. After Audrey Zinck equalized for St. Mary’s three minutes later, Sarah White scored two unassisted goals five minutes apart in the second period for a 3-1 NDA lead.
Norden and Freitas scored within a minute of each other late in the period to level the score, and Freitas scored in the middle of the third period for a 4-3 lead.
