Raleigh - The Apex Cougars played the spoiler ending previously unbeaten Broughton's title hopes in the 3rd round of the NCHSAA playoffs 10-9. In a back-and-forth, hotly contested game it was Senior Justin Freeman that scored the deciding goal with just 24 seconds to go.
A game that was billed as one of the biggest of the season lived up to the hype. It was only two minutes in that Broughton's David Liggett was able to score dodgin down the right hand alley. Apex's Carter White responded less than 30 seconds later on an inside roll on the right side of the crease. Ten seconds later Preston Lallicker scored running down the left hand alley. Christian Cechini completed the Cougar scoring run. After an Apex penalty Van Parker was able to convert on an assist from Nick Cattano making it 3-2 Cougars to end the first.
The second quarter was a quick up and down game with plays made all over the field. Lallicker wen 7/9 on faceoffs, Freshman Ben Haugh scored 3 goals, and White completed his with two goals in the quarter. The quarter ended with Apex man up and trailing the host Capitals 7-6.
The third quarter saw only two goals, both by Lallicker. Both goalies were able to make three saves as Apex took an 8-7 lead into the final quarter.
The final quarter started with a flurry of penalties and Parker making good on Broughton's second attempt on an assist from Liggett tieing the game with 9:07 to go. The teams would battle back and forth for the majority of the quarter. Neither able break through and both goalies making critical saves.
It was Broughton's Gordon Guest who found the back of the net on a high bouncer with 1:55 to go that gave the Capitals their first lead of the second half.
Not to be outdone, Lallicker rung home his fifth of the night just 48 seconds later to tie it up again. Lallicker would also win the ensuing faceoff and on that possession Freeman was able to slip under his man and score what would end up the winning goal.
Broughton ends its season at 17-1
Apex improves to 15-4 and will travel to Cardinal Gibbons on Friday night.
Box Score
| Team |
1Q |
2Q |
3Q |
4Q |
Final |
| Broughton |
2 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
| Apex |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
- Broughton - 9 vs Apex - 10
- Goals: B: B.Haugh 3, V.Parker 2, D.Liggett, N.Cattano, G.Guest, S.Stein
A: P.Lallicker 4, C.White 3, C.Cechini, J.Freeman, M.Ateshian
- Assists: B: N.Cattano, V.Parker, B.Haugh, D.Liggett
A: C.White
- Saves: B: P.Massarelli 7
W: P.Sasser 11
- Face-offs: B: S.Stein (6/20)
A: P.Lallicker (14/20)
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