Milton High School Girls Hockey Captures Historic First MIAA Division 2 State Championship with Dramatic 2-1 Victory Over King Philip

Milton High School girls hockey achieved the ultimate redemption story Sunday afternoon, capturing the programs first-ever MIAA Division 2 state championship with a thrilling 2-1 victory over King Philip at TD Garden, ending a remarkable 25-1-1 season with the most significant win in school history.

The triumph represented sweet vindication for a Milton squad that suffered heartbreak in last years state final, falling 3-0 to Medfield in the same venue. Coach Matt Lodi and his players used that devastating loss as motivation throughout their championship campaign, determined not to experience such disappointment again.

We know what it was like to come here and lose and our goal all season was to come back and get this job done, reflected senior captain Sabrina Stone. I think we all would have been a little disappointed to get here and not win it this time. This is a special moment for all of us.

The decisive moments arrived during a dominant middle period where Milton converted their territorial advantage into goals. The breakthrough came via a spectacular shorthanded score, with freshman sensation Mia Cartarunolo threading a perfect pass to Stone during a 2-on-1 rush that showcased the teams trademark chemistry.

Maeve Lovett doubled the advantage with 6:00 remaining in the second period, expertly deflecting a Mairin Hart point shot from the slot to establish what appeared to be a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the final frame.

King Philip refused to surrender quietly, mounting sustained pressure that finally paid dividends when Ella Morgan cut the deficit to 2-1 with 9:08 remaining. Morgan collected a pass at the Milton blue line and unleashed a shot that found the short side post, immediately transforming the atmosphere and setting up a tense finale.

The most crucial sequence arrived with 4:33 remaining when Milton was forced to kill a dangerous 4-on-3 power play that could have tied the contest. The successful penalty kill demonstrated the defensive maturity that characterized their championship run, with players sacrificing individual glory for collective success.

Lodi praised his teams unique chemistry throughout their historic campaign, emphasizing how their genuine friendship translated into on-ice success. At our foundation, they are 24 players that love to be around each other, the coach explained. Playing loose and having fun is the only way to play high school sports.

The championship represented the culmination of what Lodi described as 27 different one-game seasons, with each contest serving as its own chapter in an unforgettable story. Every game was its own chapter and the girls were able to write their own story, he reflected. Twenty-seven chapters to make one story. And chapter 27 was the best one.

Senior leaders Anna Leddy and Maeve Higgins earned special recognition from Stone for maintaining team morale throughout the pressure-packed season. They get the music going and keep the team relaxed all of the time. Theyre the best, Stone observed about her teammates contributions to team chemistry.

The victory carries significance beyond Milton athletics, as Lodi emphasized how the program has transformed girls hockey throughout the community. This team has helped transform girls hockey in Milton forever. The number of people at our games and support we have had from the community over the last three years has been incredible, he noted.

King Philip concluded their season at 23-3-1 after overcoming tremendous adversity, including the unexpected passing of head coach Ken Assad just before Christmas. The Warriors dedicated their remaining games to his memory, posting impressive 11-game and 12-game winning streaks while honoring their late mentor.

For Milton, the championship validates years of patient building and demonstrates how sustained commitment can achieve seemingly impossible dreams.