Communication has become almost telepathic for Highland girls soccer teammates Sierra Hinkel and Jennifer Sheehan.
No words need to be spoken for each to know what the other is thinking.
That instinctive connection helped Highland edge Griffith 3-2 in Thursday’s Class 2A Highland Sectional semifinal.
“We work really well together,” Sheehan said. “She knows where I’m going every time, and she knows I’ll be there. I’ve got her whenever she needs me.”
The two teamed up for Highland’s go-ahead goal in the 41st minute, when the Trojans (9-6-1) grabbed a 2-1 lead over the Panthers (8-4-1). Hinkel accepted a pass from Sheehan, only to dish it back to Sheehan, who tapped the ball past Griffith goalkeeper Bridget Beck. The play was one that had been run countless times in practice.
The Hinkel-Sheehan connection was back on display in the 64th minute. This time, Sheehan registered the assist, and Hinkel provided the finish.
“It’s always nice playing with my buddy right here,” Hinkel said while flashing an ear-to-ear grin and wrapping her arm around Sheehan. “I look for anyone who is open but always see Jenn out of the corner of my eye. We have a connection in our brains, and we just go.”
Hinkel and her Highland teammates had good reason to smile after Thursday’s victory. They avenged a regular-season loss to the rival Panthers and extended their season by at least 48 hours.
“I told them they could beat Griffith,” Highland coach Gordon Walker said. “I knew they could beat Griffith. I’m glad they finally see that they really could do it.”
Hinkel was involved in all three goals, scoring twice and providing one assist.
“She’s a very skilled player,” Walker said. “She’s technically sound. She’s got everything you want from a soccer player.”
The Panthers struck in the 28th minute, when Megan Miller provided the equalizer to make it 1-1. A penalty kick by Isabella Maglish in the 76th minute pulled the Panthers within a goal, but they were unable to even the score.
“It’s unfortunate,” Griffith coach Wally Kudyba said with a deep sigh. “It’s a tough time with the seniors. This group’s goal was to go far. Highland was just the better team.”
The Trojans played without Nicole Russell (calf) and Morgan Pickens (torn ACL).
In Thursday’s other semifinal, Lake Central received goals from seven different players in a 7-0 victory over Gavit (0-12).
“I’m excited to see Gavit have a program back,” Lake Central coach Shawn Thomas said. “Just a couple years ago, they weren’t able to field a team, so the fact that they’re back is the biggest story out of the game. We’re an established program, and they’re a building program. Hopefully they keep building.”
The Indians (11-4-1) and Trojans will meet in the sectional final Saturday at 7 p.m.
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“Highland stretches the game, so they can be dangerous on the outside,” Thomas said. “They have speed. They have some young, hungry players. We know we’re going to be in a dog fight.”
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Brandon Vickrey is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Post-Tribune staff contributed.