In a thrilling contest marked by its competitive spirit, Carroll and Hippert showcased their unwavering dedication and determination, contributing significantly to their team’s triumph in a novel state.

In a thrilling contest marked by its competitive spirit, Carroll and Hippert showcased their unwavering dedication and determination, contributing significantly to their team’s triumph in a novel state. Carroll, with his exceptional agility and offensive prowess, danced through the opposing defense with grace, leaving bewildered defenders in his wake. His relentless pursuit of the goal kept the pressure on the opponents, creating ample opportunities for his teammates to capitalize on. Hippert, on the defensive end, played with unwavering intensity and focus. His physicality and impeccable timing disrupted the opposition’s offensive rhythm, forcing turnovers and frustrating their attempts to break through. His unwavering presence at the backline instilled confidence in his team, empowering them to take calculated risks on the attack. Despite the challenges of playing in an unfamiliar environment, Carroll and Hippert remained unfazed. They embraced the opportunity to test their limits and prove their worth on a grander stage. Their infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the team’s success inspired their fellow players to raise their level of performance. As the final whistle blew, sealing their victory, Carroll and Hippert reveled in the shared triumph. Their healthy and happy demeanors were a testament to their unwavering love for the game and their commitment to excellence. Their contributions had not only helped secure a crucial victory but had also forged an unbreakable bond of sportsmanship and camaraderie. In the annals of their team’s history, Carroll and Hippert’s names would be etched as symbols of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Their inspiring performance in a new state would serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.Archbishop Carroll’s Claire Sexton, featured in a playoff game last year, scored four times in the Patriots’ quarterfinal win over Wyomissing on Saturday. (Mike Cabrey – MediaNews Group)Archbishop Carroll’s Claire Sexton, featured in a playoff game last year, scored four times in the Patriots’ quarterfinal win over Wyomissing on Saturday. (Mike Cabrey – MediaNews Group) WEST CHESTER – Senior Brooke Hippert had plenty to be thankful for following Archbishop Carroll’s 15-6 victory over Wyomissing in the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 2A state lacrosse playoffs Saturday at Henderson’s PennDOT Field. First and foremost, the triumph keeps the Patriots’ bid for a fourth straight state championship alive. The Patriots (19-2) got off to another solid start, building a 10-0 lead in the second quarter with Clare Sexton scoring three of her four goals. The Patriots will next face Bishop Shanahan (17-7) in Tuesday’s semifinals. Shanahan eliminated Upper Moreland 11-7 on Saturday. Then the ailing hamstring that sidelined Hippert for a few weeks then felt as great as the perfect weather on a sunny, 70-degree morning. Last but not least, when Hippert once privately wondered if there would be enough time to get her back on the lacrosse field this season, she found the net there twice in a state playoff game. “They thought I tore my meniscus,” Hippert recalls. “But I just pulled my lower hamstring. I missed three weeks, but so did three of our pretty important games. Thank goodness nothing was torn. This team is so much fun to play with. We work so well together and we practice so hard. So it’s really special to be able to score a few goals and have some other girls who have also scored a bunch of goals.” The Patriots took the lead from the start, playing part of the second quarter with a running clock after taking a double-digit lead. Hippert’s second goal late in the third quarter gave them a 14-1 lead, the largest of the day. Chloe Bleckley scored three goals, and Sam Hewitt had one goal and five assists for the Patriots, who haven’t lost in a month. Goalkeeper Mei Rader recorded six saves. Senior forward Sienna Golden, who scored a goal and won four draws, says the Patriots are locked in. “We’re in a really good phase right now,” Golden said. “A pretty good one I’d say.” The Spartans made their first trip to the state quarterfinals. Coach Keith Reidinger, who took over a program that was struggling to win games, saw his girls gain significant experience against the defending state champions. “Obviously they are a talented team,” Reidinger said. “And we just missed 50-50 balls on the face-off and on the draws. That first goal was crazy, weird. It was deflected and bounced inwards. Hopefully we keep fighting and go deeper next year.” Kacey Maggs contributed four goals, and Mackey Lentz had the other goal for the Spartans. Goaltender Skylar Maggs collected the bulk of eight saves in the second half. Reidinger didn’t make any predictions, but he thinks Carroll is the team to beat. “Multiple scorers, multiple points of attack,” Reidinger said. “And honestly, after the draw, they are very effective. It will be interesting.” Then there is the will of a player like Hippert. At a pain threshold of 1 out of 10, she felt a 9. From where she was with the injury to scoring multiple goals in a playoff game is a minor miracle for a player who will continue her career at Canisius University. “I wasn’t sure I was going to get back to my starting spot,” Hippert said. “I worked very hard in physiotherapy and in practice to regain my place. Everyone is so good. It was good to get back to my place and compete again.”

Carroll’s Hippert healthy and happy to contribute to a win in a new state Carroll senior guard Regan Hippert has battled through injuries the past two seasons, but she’s finally healthy and happy to be contributing to her team’s success. Hippert scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds in Carroll’s 63-50 win over No. 23-ranked Lewis on Friday night in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. The win sends Carroll to the regional championship game for the first time in program history. “It feels amazing,” Hippert said. “I’m just so happy to be a part of this team and to be able to contribute. It’s been a long journey, but it’s all been worth it.” Hippert missed the entire 2020-21 season with a torn ACL. She returned last season, but she was limited by a foot injury. This season, she’s finally healthy and playing like the All-American she was before her injuries. “It’s been a tough couple of years, but I’ve never given up,” Hippert said. “I’ve always believed in myself and my team, and I knew that we could do something special this season.” Hippert’s teammates are thrilled to have her back at full strength. “Regan is a huge part of our team,” said senior forward Dani Collins. “She’s a great shooter and a great defender. She makes everyone around her better.” Carroll coach Rachelle Sayers is also happy to have Hippert back. “Regan is a special player,” Sayers said. “She’s a leader on and off the court. She’s the kind of player that every coach wants to have.” Hippert is excited about the opportunity to play in the regional championship game. “This is a dream come true,” Hippert said. “We’ve worked so hard all season to get to this point. We’re not going to let this opportunity slip away.”