The Highland Huskies broke a first-inning tie with a five-run second as the Huskies toppled the top-seeded Chester Hambletonians to win the Section 9 Class B championship on Saturday at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh.

“It’s just really rewarding for the girls,” Highland coach Kathelene Canosa said. “We did not have a very deep roster this year, so for all these girls to show up every day, day in and day out for the last 12 weeks, it’s really a testament to their determination, their sacrifice and their desire and will to win.”

The game was tied 2-2 after the first inning, but Emma Hanlon singled to right field, scoring Gianna Jones, and Abby Paserba scored on an error to give the Huskies a 4-2 lead. Hanlon scored on a wild pitch, while Alex Pavese and Delainey Reid scored on a double by Cieara Teamer.

When the inning ended, the Huskies led 7-2, more than enough for Alexa Pavese, who struck out seven batters, allowing three runs, two earned, in a complete-game effort.

“One of the hits was a really good hit by (Paige Niles) and the rest of them were dinks that just fell in,” Canosa said.

Earlier in the season, the Huskies had been plagued by some defensive trouble, which could have led to big innings. However, on Saturday the defense performed behind Pavese.

“I think it just goes back to their focus,” Canosa said. “They knew what they had to do. They were backing Alexa up. They knew she was pitching really well, and when your pitcher is pitching well, you don’t want to let her down by making mistakes in the field and everyone came to play today, which was great.”

Offensively, Delainey Reid had three hits, two runs scored, and an RBI and Teamer finished with two hits, three RBIs and two stolen bases. Hanlon had a hit and three RBIs.

The Huskies opened the week on Wednesday with a 5-0 winning over No. 6 Ellenville on Wednesday. Pavese struck out 12 batters and Sierra Spinelli had two hits and an RBI. Teamer doubled twice and drove in a run. Reid had a hit and an RBI and Violet Brienza had a hit and an RBI.

The Huskies will move onto Wednesday’s subregional against Section 1 champion Albertus Magnus at North Rockland High School. If they win, they’ll play Friday or Saturday against Section 4 champion Susquehanna Valley at Monroe-Woodbury High School.

“I’m excited,” Canosa said. “I said to the girls, ‘whether we have nine or 10 or eight, it’s the right people in the right positions at the right time.”