In game one of the Govs doubleheader, the boys handled the Rapid City Central Cobblers with commanding speed and offensive pressure, taking home the 4-0 victory to kickoff what would turn out to be an unlikely yet memorable day for T.F. Riggs. The Governor boys would miss some early scoring opportunities, creating some cracks in the Cobblers defense, before Caiden Ahartz broke through with a late goal to give the home team a 1-0 lead going into the half. The Govs would continue to apply pressure and would score three more goals, one more by Ahartz and two by Jacoby Laroche. Lucas Hight also found his way onto the stat sheet with a beautiful assist on the Ahartz goal in the first.
But the fireworks were far from over as the Governor girls quickly got their game underway after the boys wrapped up to try and squeeze in game number two before the weather turned sour. The Cobbler girls came out firing, playing outstanding defense and thwarting numerous scoring opportunities for Pierre. Central would get their first goal from Sophie McNaboe, and would add some insurance with a second goal from Rylee Healy to make it 2-0.
The Govs just could not seem to break through, shifting away from their usual game plan and starting to press further and further offensively as the minutes ticked away. The game seemed out of reach as they entered the 72nd minute, but Lexie Hillmer remained calm, cool and collected as she found her way in front of the net after a beautiful pass from Aubrey Fischer helped her beat Joanna Williams for the Govs first goal making it 2-1. The Govs sprinted back to midfield immediately sensing a momentum shift, and just three minutes later it was Lexie Hillmer again remaining calm in the midst of the storm when she put the equalizer in the back of the net to even the score at 2 apiece. A complete shift in the game in just a matter of minutes gave the Govs a new sense of confidence, and they used that adrenaline rush and momentum shift to their advantage ripping a sure win from the hands of the Cobblers. But the Govs were not finished.
With just 90 seconds remaining in regulation, Hillmer drew a foul a few yards outside the box and set up a golden opportunity to complete the unlikely comeback. Hillmer centered the free-kick, right to the veteran leader Natalie Flottmeyer who eased the winning goal into the net. The Govs bench erupted as the final seconds ticked away and the Govs were victorious. One of the most memorable comebacks in Governor history completed with three goals in the final eight minutes. Governor boys coach Sean Blanchette said it best with his remarks postgame, “That was just a will and a want to win, that’s all that was”.
Hillmer earned Player of the Game honors and the Govs retain their spot atop the standings. The Govs will host Watertown 9/2 on River 92.7 and streaming on DRGnews.com.
Comments