The varsity ice hockey team defeated Upper Saint Clair 2-1 in overtime on Thursday Night. 

Goals were scored by senior Trevor Belak and sophomore Tanner Plinta. Assists came from seniors Dom Trimbur, Xander Aul, and Plinta. Senior netminder Eddie Nowicki stopped 32 of 33 shots he faced in just under 44 minutes of play. 

Plinta said the team just needed something to go their way. 

“I think we just needed something to get us going,” he said. “We played a great overtime and it was just a relieving feeling at the end of the game.” 

Plinta also said this helps build the confidence for the team. 

“We all gained confidence by beating USC since they beat us previously,” he said. “If we get more consistent with our wins, we can keep up with the top teams in 3A.”

Senior Logan Picchi said Plinta’s tying goal changed the momentum in the game. 

“Whenever he scored the goal early in the third, it forced us to play harder and get our heads back in the game,” Picchi said. 

The Highlanders take the ice next Thursday at 7 p.m at Ice Castle against Canon-Mac.