With a spirited Division II girls soccer state quarterfinal knotted at 1-1, Kylie Freel netted the game-winner, sending Milford High back to the state semifinals.

The Spartans, seeded fourth, now heads to Exeter on Thursday to battle either top-seeded Hanover or No. 8 John Stark.

Rachel Gizzonio had the other goal for Milford, which was superb on the back line all afternoon

“Marissa Sage played at a different level today.” said coach Russ Matthews.

Along with Sage, Renee Wilson, Sarah Sawyer, Maddie Howard and Meg Cavanaugh were tremendous in the back.

Milford returns to the state semis a year after the Spartans shut out Pembroke to reach the 2018 title game. That team came up whiskers short to, of all teams, Hanover in the state finals.

The teams played through regulation and overtime without scoring a goal before the Marauders claimed the title on penalty kicks.

Most expected this Milford group to take a step or two back after graduating such a deep and talented senior class. But the Spartans have stepped up bigtime and now stand at 14-3-1.

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