HUGHESVILLE - There just seems to be something about Hughesville and the postseason that brings out the best in Matt Hibbs.
In last year's district playoffs, Hibbs scored three goals to help Loyalsock defeat Warrior Run.
This year, Hibbs was at it again, scoring three goals to help No. 6 Loyalsock down No. 11 Sullivan County, 4-1, at Raymond H. Perritt Stadium.
Hibbs scored on a loose ball in front of the net after a Tyler Quigley goal moments earlier put the Lancers in front by a goal. Hibbs easily finished the shot for a back-breaking one-minute sequence to give Loyalsock a 2-0 lead.
"They've been doing it all season," Loyalsock coach Andy Zimmerman said. "I told the guys to relax at halftime. I told them that they've worked all season and if they continue the goals would come."
The goals certainly came for the Lancers, as scores from Quigley and Hibbs came in the first five minutes of the second half.
"The guys just kept working and the goals came," Zimmerman said. "I think everybody was a little nervous in the first half. There wasn't much communication in the first half."
Hibbs, though, wasn't content with just getting the win as he continued to press the Griffins defense for his second goal. Hibbs received the break he was looking for when a Sullivan County defender pulled him down in the box for a PK, which Hibbs put by Zachary Meyer for his second goal. Hibbs then capped the Lancers' scoring when he sent a long shot from 25 yards out over the keepers head.
"He just keeps on working until the game is over," Zimmerman said of Hibbs.
Sullivan County avoided the shutout when Tom Blasi collected a rebound in front of the goal for an easy tap-in.
L-Tyler Quigley (Caleb Voucolo), 44:55; L-Matt Hibbs (unassisted), 35:59; L-Hibbs (unassisted), 49:10; L-Hibbs (unassisted), 54:21; SC-Tom Blasi (unassisted), 66:48.
Shots: SC 15 L 14. Shots on goal: SC 9 L 6. Corners: SC 5 L 5. Saves: SC (Zachary Meyer) 3 L (Louis Comfort) 8. Fouls: SC 13 L 16 Cards: SC none. L Tyler Quigley (yellow) 69:27, Andy Zimmerman 72:16.
Records: Sullivan County 8-10-1. Loyalsock 11-7-1.
Next: Loyalsock D4 playoffs TBA.
