Abington Heights Makes History with First State Playoff Win, Downs Hershey 15-10
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | June 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy BLSportsPhotography.com / Brad Loff
Abington Heights broke through on the biggest stage in program history, earning its first-ever PIAA state playoff victory with a 15-10 win over Hershey on Tuesday in the first round of the Class 2A girls lacrosse state tournament.
Fueled by dynamic offensive showings from Allison Rothenberger and Sadie Gilbert, who each scored six goals, the Lady Comets controlled the tempo from the start and never looked back.
Coming into the contest, Abington Heights held a perfect 20-0 record, including a thrilling 12-11 overtime win over Crestwood in the District 2 final. Hershey (18-2), making its third consecutive PIAA appearance, had suffered its first loss of the season in the District 3 title game against Wyomissing.
The Comets jumped out to a 2-1 lead after one quarter and extended their advantage to 8-3 at halftime, with Rothenberger and Gilbert lighting up the scoreboard and freshman Morgan Davis adding timely goals. Davis finished with two scores and Gigi Butala a Senior Captain chipped in with 1 while Olivia Kim orchestrated the attack with several key assists and strong midfield play.
Despite a furious second-half push from Hershey’s Hannah Russell, who scored seven of her team’s 10 goals, Abington Heights maintained its edge through poised possession and timely scoring. The Comets kept Hershey at bay in the final quarter with insurance goals from Rothenberger and Gilbert to seal the win.
Abington Heights improved to 21-0 on the season and advances to the quarterfinals on Saturday, June 7, for a rematch with Upper Moreland, the team that edged them 11-9 in last year’s first round. The matchup will take place in the Lehigh Valley area, with site and time to be determined.
Scoring Summary – Abington Heights:
Allison Rothenberger – 6 goals
Sadie Gilbert – 6 goals
- Morgan Davis – 2 goals
- Gigi Butala - 1 Goal
Scoring Summary – Hershey:
- Hannah Russell – 7 goals
Up Next:
Abington Heights vs. Upper Moreland – Saturday, June 7 (Lehigh Valley area, time TBD)
