EXETER, N.H. — If Mascoma High field hockey’s defense still had critics, they were put to rest on Wednesday night.

The Royals solidified their trip to a third-straight NHIAA Division III Championship Game appearance with a 2-0 win over top-seeded Hopkinton in the semifinals. The victory was Mascoma’s 12th straight win after a three-game losing streak in September.

When preseason practices began in August, it was Mascoma’s defense that faced questions with the loss of goalie Abby Duhaime and defensive leader Bella Kondi.

But as the chants of “I believe we have won” echoed onto the turf at Bill Ball Stadium, it was hard to remember August as Mascoma’s defense swarmed goalie Emilie Conrad for a hug before the rest of the Royals’ squad could get there.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to coach a lot of talented athletes,” Mascoma coach Jenn Hammond said. “Whatever I ask them to do, they do. We pushed them really hard this year because we knew coming back from a championship would be super-hard. They’ve done a phenomenal job.”

The Royals’ defense did their job throughout the night. Conrad only had to step up and make two saves, despite Hopkinton creating five penalty corner opportunities.

Multiple times the Hawks offense couldn’t handle the pressure from Mascoma. With 10 minutes to play in the first half, a mishandled Hopkinton pass was batted away.

Another time the presence of the defense could be felt and a change in possession was forced.

The defensive pressure created explosive plays for Mascoma’s offense.

Not even two minutes into the second half, Mascoma made it a 2-0 game. Nikki Williams hit a chop shot from over 10 yards out that went to the right corner of the net, cutting across the Hawks’ goalie.

Williams made the switch from midfield to forward at the beginning of the season and didn’t have much confidence on her offensive skills. But as the season progressed she found her footing.

Wednesday night’s goal was her 15th of the season and third in the postseason.

“As the switch has gone on, it’s been a lot better,” she said. “Figuring out where and when I should be there, and how hard I should hit the ball.”

Mascoma’s first goal came 15 minutes into the first half. On the Royals first penalty corner of the game, Williams’ shot was deflected to the right of the net. Mackenzie Labrie was able to settle the ball and get a pass off to Natalie Poitras, who poked it in for the score.

The Royals will have to prepare for Sunday’s championship game at Bedford against No. 3 seed Bishop Brady. Mascoma (14-3-0) won last year’s state title over Hopkinton, 1-0. The win was the program’s first since 1983.

Now, back-to-back championships are in reach.

“It feels awesome. I’m so proud of what we’ve done. I didn’t think we’d do it,” Williams said.

Notes: Bishop Brady won the first semifinal game 3-2 in overtime over Newfound. … The Royals practiced for two hours Tuesday night on Proctor’s turf surface to prepare for Exeter’s turf. … Mascoma lost to Hopkinton 2-1 on Sept. 10. Michaela Dowd missed that game. … Sunday’s start time is set for 11 a.m.

Pete Nakos can be reached at pnakos@vnews.com or 603-727-3306.