Moses Brown's second-half surge seals a third straight state crown

BRISTOL – Patience proved to be a championship virtue for Maddie Peterson on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Roger Williams University.Waiting a few extra seconds to take her penalty stroke proved a small price for what the Moses Brown star enjoyed later in the day. Her goal late in the third quarter proved to be the winner, and an assist on a Maeve Stilley tally in the dying moments salted this one away. The Quakers turned it on in the second half to hold off East Greenwich, 2-0, and make it three straight Division I field hockey crowns. Peterson went from first-year player who debuted with a title team last year to key cog in a program that has now brought home four of the last five championships at the state's top level. "I was on the verge of happy tears," Peterson said. "I was so excited. It just feels so good." The Avengers were plenty stubborn through the first 40 minutes before providing the only opening Moses Brown required. East Greenwich froze a shot in the circle under the goalkeeper's left pad, and the officials whistled for a stroke with 4:42 left in the third. Some additional consultation with the referees left Peterson standing alone at the spot, but she composed herself nicely and whipped a shot that cracked inside the left post. "I was like, 'Oh my gosh, can she hurry up?' I was stressing," Peterson said. "My hands were sweating. "We practice it every day, so I felt pretty confident. But obviously I was nervous." The Quakers finally put this one away inside the last two minutes with the Avengers pressing forward for an equalizer. Peterson drove down the middle of the field and unselfishly laid it off to Stilley, who dodged left and got around a backhanded shot inside the near post. That was enough to really start the party for Moses Brown with 1:48 to play. "They definitely put up a fight," Peterson said. "We got in our heads, but we worked so hard to get out of our heads. I think that's what led to the second half of the game." Watch RI games on NFHS Network!The Avengers didn't enjoy their first penalty corner until time ran out in the third, and they nearly made the most of it. Olivia Roland cracked a shot from the right side that went diagonally through traffic in front toward the goal line. Katie O'Rourke was behind keeper Hattie Travers and deflected it away to keep the Quakers in front entering the final 15 minutes. "I'm kind of just aware of my surroundings," O'Rourke said. "I'm keeping my stick on the ground, making sure that I'm aware of where the ball might be going and angling my stick the correct way so I can deflect it." O'Rourke missed last year's 6-0 win over La Salle while recovering from an offseason right knee injury, but she played a critical role this time around along with her fellow seniors. Moses Brown (15-2-0) was perfect against state competition this fall, including this third victory over East Greenwich (11-5-1). The Avengers came up just shy after a 1-0 semifinal win over Barrington and a first half where they held the Quakers to a lone shot on goal. "Every single year the momentum keeps going with this group," O'Rourke said. "They have all of my heart." EAST GREENWICH (0): No scoring. MOSES BROWN (2): Maddie Peterson, Maeve Stilley; assist – Peterson. Halftime – 0-0. Saves – Emma Guckian, EG, 8; Hattie Travers, MB, 3. bkoch@providencejournal.comOn X: @BillKoch25 This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Moses Brown's second-half surge seals a third straight state crownOur editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.