YORK — Izzy Bretz delivered the winning goal with no time left Saturday as top-ranked York continued its undefeated field hockey season with a 2-1 win over fourth-seeded Kennebunk in the Class B semifinals.

The Wildcats (16-0) will meet sixth-seeded Leavitt (11-5) in the regional final Tuesday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.

With less than 20 seconds left, York was awarded a corner. Nine seconds remained when Bretz started the corner by sending the ball to Lily Posternak, whose shot was stopped by goalie Liv Kudas. Allie Jones tried a putback shot that also was saved.

Though time ran out, York continued swatting at the ball and Bretz put it in the cage.

“I was just trying to get open on the post, just to be ready,” said Bretz.

In field hockey, play off a corner continues when time runs out until the ball is cleared.

But Kennebunk Coach Kayla Billings said, “It clearly states in the rulebook that the penalty corner needs to clear the dotted circle when it is the end of the game. There was still time on the clock when (Bretz) hit the ball out so that would not be considered the end of the game. I don’t know what else to say.”

Billings also didn’t see a protest as an option.

“I’ve never seen (a protest) happen,” said Billings. “I don’t expect anything to be overturned.”

On the other hand, York was prepared.

“We go over that (scenario) a lot in practice,” said Jones. “We did know that rule and that’s why we kept playing. We go over pretty much every type of scenario.”

“I did notice that the clock said zero after (Bretz’s shot) went in. I looked because I knew it was close. The officials make the call,” said York Coach Barb Marois. “It’s just one of those things where you hate to see it come down to that kind of a call to decide a game.”

The Wildcats scored early thanks to a great play by Jones.

Less than eight minutes into the game, she weaved between defenders for a one-on-one with Kudas.

Kudas dove out after the ball and took out Jones at the legs as Jones knocked the ball forward with her stick. Jones sprawled toward the net as the ball rolled in for the goal.

“(Jones) is definitely dangerous. She has speed and nice touch on the ball. She can create some havoc there with her speed,” said Marois.

“My trouble is making a move with the goalie. All I heard in my mind was: ‘Jonesy, make that pull’ and it just happened,” said Jones. “It was just a lucky shot at that point.”

Kennebunk (10-5-1) tied it midway through the first half on a Britney Gregoire putback goal.

Kudas was terrific for Kennebunk, making 10 saves.

“(Kudas) is a wonderful goalie. She worked hard all year,” said Billings.

This was the third time these teams met with York winning 2-1 each time.

York didn’t play Leavitt this season but the Wildcats plan to be prepared for the final.

“I know the program that they have,” said Marois. “We’ve seen them in the playoffs before so I would expect much of the same.”

“I’m a little nervous but I think we’re ready,” said Bretz.

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