Gilford field hockey returns to D3 final with win over Newfound (video)

EXETER – The Gilford High School field hockey team dominated the third quarter of Wednesday’s Division III semifinal against Newfound, but had just one goal to show for it.

Turns out, one was all the Golden Eagles needed.

Calia Blackey scored with 7:57 remaining in the third to give No. 1 Gilford the only score it would need, as the defending champs grabbed a 1-0 win over No. 5 Newfound at Bill Ball Stadium in Exeter.

The win sends Gilford (15-1) back to the D3 final for the second year in a row, where it will try to defend its title against No. 7 Berlin at 7 p.m. on Friday at Bedford High School. The Mountaineers upset No. 3 Stevens, 2-0, in the other semifinal.

Gilford had nine penalty corners on the night, with six of them coming in the third, while all six of Newfound’s came in the final six minutes of the second quarter.

Alexandra Normandin finished with nine saves for the Bears (12-4) while Gilford goalie Caroline Guest did not see a shot on goal.