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Road Warriors: Orange County hockey picks up huge upset on the road in Region 4C semis

Orange County’s field hockey team figured out at least one thing it takes to pick up a big win in a playoff game Tuesday night — staying confident no matter the circumstances. 

 

After taking a lead on a goal right out of the gate —just three minutes in, in fact — by Riley Twyman off a Ginger Oliver assist, defending state champion Eastern View found the equalizer against the Hornets, but even playing on the road, No. 3-seeded Orange wasn’t phased in the slightest. 

 

“After Eastern View scored, it didn’t change our mindset, which can normally happen and cause us to hang our heads,” said Orange coach Lauren Utz. “But the girls fought back and didn’t let their goal bring them down.”

 

In fact, the Hornets answered with two of their own and notched a 3-1 victory over the Cyclones to advance to upset Eastern View and earn a spot in the Region 4C title game.

 

“Our team came out strong at the beginning of the game — our momentum was extremely high, from the sidelines to the girls playing on the field. The girls worked hard together, getting up together and back together, which helped,” Utz said.

 

Ginger Oliver scored the second goal for the Hornets that held up as the gamewinner and the Hornets kept the pedal down even after gaining that advantage. 

 

“After goal number two, the momentum continued to drive and there was no let up, from any players,” Utz said. “This is a huge win.”

 

Cierra Hoffman gave the Hornets some breathing room off a Kylee Dabney assist while Katie Parks made three saves in the cage for the Hornets. 

 

Orange will need to keep their quick start mentality rolling Thursday when they take on Chancellor in the region final in a match slated for a 6 p.m. start. No. 4-seed Chancellor upset top-seeded Courtland, opening the door for the Hornets to host.

 

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