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Hartford goalkeeper Paige Vielleux jumps into the arms of Maddi Willey (21) while celebrating with their teammates after winning the VPA Division 2 field hockey state championship game against Woodstock at the University of Vermont’s Moulton Winder Field in Burlington, Vt., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (Valley News / Report For America – Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. -
Woodstock’s Georgia Tarleton (11) attempts to stop Hartford’s Maddi Willey (21) as she runs down the field during the VPA Division 2 state championships at the University of Vermont’s Moulton Winder Field in Burlington, Vt., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Hartford won, 2-0. (Valley News / Report For America – Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. -
Hartford head coach Heather Scudder hugs captain Maddi Willey after winning the VPA Division 2 field hockey state championship game against Woodstock at the University of Vermont’s Moulton Winder Field in Burlington, Vt., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (Valley News / Report For America – Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. -
Woodstock goalkeeper Paige Stone (99) defends the goal with the help of her teammates during the VPA Division 2 state championships against Hartford at the University of Vermont’s Moulton Winder Field in Burlington, Vt., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Hartford won, 2-0. (Valley News / Report For America – Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. -
Hartford captain Maddi Willey (21) shows off the first place trophy to Hurricane fans in the stands after winning the VPA Division 2 field hockey state championship game against Woodstock at the University of Vermont’s Moulton Winder Field in Burlington, Vt., on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (Valley News / Report For America – Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. -
Maddi Willey
BURLINGTON — Hartford High’s Madison Barwood has piled up goals in three sports during her time with the Hurricanes. No tally has been bigger, however, than the one she scored Friday in field hockey.
The junior knocked home a brilliant, one-time shot off Charlotte Jasmin’s centering feed for what became the winning goal during a 2-0 defeat of rival Woodstock during the Division II final at the University of Vermont.
The Hurricanes earned their 12th state title and their first since 2009, when they beat Champlain Valley.
Barwood’s strike came a minute before halftime and lifted Hartford to victory during its third consecutive championship appearance. Hartford’s previous two trips resulted in one-goal losses to Mount Abraham in 2021 and Woodstock last season.
Hartford’s high-powered offense continued to apply pressure during the second half, forcing Woodstock goaltender Paige Stone to make repeated saves. Barwood rang a shot off the post 90 seconds into the third quarter.
Five minutes later, Kamryn Brower added an insurance goal when she knocked in a rebound amid a scramble in front of the Wasps’ goal.
Woodstock standout Hannah Gubbins was held in check for much of the afternoon, often through the efforts of Hartford’s Maddi Willey.
Gubbins’ best chance came on a fast break with a minute remaining in the first quarter. Her shot forced Hartford goaltender Paige Vielleux to make a lunging save. The junior netminder anchored a strong defense that earned its seventh shutout of the season.
The Hurricanes (14-2), who also fell in the division finals in 2010 and 2013, will lose Willey, Brower, Kennedi Rhodes, Gabby Gardner and Miranda Rogers to graduation.
Woodstock (13-2) suffered its first defeat since a season-opening loss to Burr & Burton. The Wasps allowed three goals during that stretch. Prior to last year, Woodstock’s previous championship came in 2000.
Woodstock’s graduation losses will be Grace Laperle, Hannah Gubbins, Claudia Shoemaker, Quinn Stickney, Georgia Tarleton and Charley Crowley.