Summit Walks It Off in OT, Outlasts Seton Hall Prep in Top-5 Thriller

If this one felt like a playoff game in April, it’s because it played like one from start to finish.

No. 4 Summit stayed unbeaten Tuesday afternoon, knocking off reigning Non-Public A champion Seton Hall Prep 6–5 in overtime in one of the best matchups of the young season. In a game filled with momentum swings, big saves, and timely scoring, it was Quinn Hines delivering the final moment, finding the back of the net in overtime to give Summit the statement win.

With a man-up opportunity in the first quarter, James Granger connected from long range to give the Hilltoppers the early edge. Seton Hall Prep quickly answered behind Owen Dunleavy, but Summit continued to push the tempo. Jack Freeman started to take over offensively, and by the end of the opening quarter, the game was tied 2–2 with both teams settling in.

Freeman found his rhythm and became the focal point of the offense, scoring multiple times and creating problems for the Prep defense. With Cole Sabol facilitating behind the net, the Hilltoppers were able to generate quality looks and build a 4–2 advantage. Seton Hall Prep managed to stay within reach late in the half, cutting it to 4–3 heading into the break, but Summit clearly had control of the pace.

Summit extended its lead to 5–3 after a strong possession that saw Sabol finish through contact, while the defense continued to hold firm. Goalie Robbie Kievit came up with key saves, including a standout stop on a clean look from Bryce Pfeffer, helping Summit maintain its edge heading into the final quarter.

Seton Hall Prep flipped the momentum in the fourth, capitalizing on possessions and winning key ground balls. Dunleavy struck again to bring the Pirates within one, and with just minutes remaining, Drew Merklinger found the equalizer off a loose ball opportunity to tie the game at 5–5. Both teams had chances late in regulation, but strong defensive stands and a clutch save from Kievit sent the game into overtime.

With under 20 seconds remaining, Summit executed a clean offensive set that found Hines cutting into space. He took the feed and buried the game-winner, sealing a 6–5 victory and sending the Hilltoppers into celebration.

Freeman led Summit with three goals and an assist, while Sabol added a goal and two assists. Hines finished with the biggest goal of the day, and Kievit anchored the defense with 13 saves.

For Seton Hall Prep, Dunleavy led the way with two goals, while multiple contributors helped fuel the comeback effort.

In a matchup between two of the state’s top programs, Summit showed composure in the biggest moments. Against a battle-tested Seton Hall Prep squad, the Hilltoppers proved they can handle pressure and finish when it matters most.