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Eighth-seeded Pinkerton excelled on the counterattack for most of its Class L state championship game against defending champions Exeter. Unfortunately, there was no chance to answer the game-winner.

Rachel Gratton struck in the fifth minute of overtime for third-seeded Exeter, lifting the Blue Hawks to their second straight state title, 2-1.

Bree Robinson didn't expect this. She figured Pinkerton wouldn't be contending for a Class L title this fall. "Truthfully," the senior striker said, "I thought next year was going to be a great year."

For six games this year, Pinkerton's Bree Robinson sat on the bench, anxious and uncomfortable.

An ankle injury had sidelined the star forward who, at the time, was the Astros' leading scorer. But she returned to the lineup fulltime just before eighth-seeded Pinkerton went into the Class L playoffs, and she's already paying big dividends.

Kelsey Porter put in a rebound with 15 minutes remaining in the second overtime to propel Pinkerton to a stunning 2-1 win over No. 1 Manchester Central, in yesterday's Class L quarterfinal round. The two teams played scoreless for 74 minutes before Bree Robinson gave the Astros (10-7-1) a short-lived lead. Manchester Central (16-1-1) scored three minutes later to send the match into overtime.

Stephanie Sayward scored four goals for Pinkerton in a 5-1 victory over Trinity. Emily Schlacter added a goal and chipped in an assist for Pinkerton.

Rory Fawcett's goal in the 14th minute propelled Pinkerton past Winnacunnet, 1-0. Astros keeper Katherin Harris stopped all 10 shots she faced to earn the shutout. The Astros improved to 6-5 with the win.

2006 record: 13-2-4, lost Class L semis

Returning starters (3): Lauren Mueser, Jr., defense; Stephanie Sayward, Jr., forward; Bree Robinson, Sr., forward

Returning lettermen: Sarah Davidson, Jr., defense; Molly Hanlon, Jr., defense; Meghan Hickey, Sr., defense; Suzanne Najem, Sr., midfield

Stephanie Sayward netted a hat trick and Nicole Cuerdon added three assists as Pinkerton pounded Keene 5-1

Manchester Memorial outlasted Pinkerton 4-3 after a pair of second half goals broke a 2-2 halftime tie. Bree Robinson scored twice for Pinkerton, which nearly rallied from a 4-2 deficit.