Charlotte Pithie, Norwell girls' lacrosse save the best for last to close out Cohasset in Division 4
The Bryant-bound standout made two clutch saves in the final two minutes, cementing a thrilling 9-8 triumph over rival and defending champion Cohasset at Babson College.
Pithie finished with 12 saves, guiding the No. 3 Clippers (19-3) to their first state title since 2018 and ninth overall.
Senior Charlise Cox delivered the winner with 2:42 left, then Pithie and the defense took care of the rest to seal a Division 4 championship.
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'This is the best feeling in the world,' Cox said. 'Our whole team has been waiting so long for this.'
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Senior Holly Panttila paced the Clippers with three goals and Natasha Mikus and Caroline Burtch added two apiece. Sophomore Molly Campbell notched three and her twin Maddie scored two for the No. 1 Skippers (21-3).
Cohasset fought valiantly, but ended up running out of time.
'They battled,' said first-year Cohasset coach Kara Connerty, who previously coached Norwell. 'I'm very proud of my team and my seniors.'That's what you want in the state final is a battle.'
The teams were tied at 3 through one quarter, 6 at the half, and 8 with six minutes remaining. Then the Florida State-bound Cox darted in from behind the net and finished in one fluid swoop.
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In the final seconds, as she's done so many times throughout her illustrious career, Pithie saved the Clippers one more time.
'The emotions were so high,' said first-year Norwell coach Laura Callahan. 'It was honestly such a battle between the two teams. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It just came down to that these girls just wanted it.'
When the final horn sounded, the Clippers celebrated at midfield, then kept the party going on the sideline. Pithie couldn't believe it actually happened, asking if it was real. It was, indeed.
After falling to the Skippers in a heartbreaker during the regular season, the Clippers avenged that loss and sent their seniors out as champions.
They no longer had to wonder what if, as they actualized a collective dream with one magical moment.
'It's truly amazing,' Pithie said. 'I've been dreaming of this moment since I was a freshman. I just can't even believe it's here.'
When the buzzer sounded, the Norwell players sprinted down the turf at Babson to celebrate their 9-8 win over Cohasset in the Division 4 final.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
At game's end, the Norwell girls held the Division 4 trophy aloft and raised the banner.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Trevor Hass can be reached at
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