JOHNSTOWN, PA — Westmont Hilltop used speed, early pressure, and strong board play to build a lead and hold off a late South Park push, earning a 4–3 victory at the 1st Summit–Cambria County War Memorial.

Westmont struck first in the opening period, jumping out to a 2–0 lead behind goals from Colby Carlson and Brett Hoffman, setting the tone with quick puck movement and an aggressive forecheck. The Hilltoppers carried that momentum into the second period when Cullen Carlson extended the lead early, making it 3–0.

South Park responded midway through the second as Tadgh Welsh put the Eagles on the board at even strength. Westmont answered back just over eight minutes later, with Alex Nilson restoring the three-goal cushion and keeping the pressure on.

Despite trailing, South Park showed resilience. Jace Mooney scored on the power play late in the second period to cut the deficit to 4–2, giving the Eagles life heading into the third.

South Park continued to push in the final frame and made it a one-goal game when Jack Kalafatis found the back of the net at 6:37, assisted by Karl Stewart. The Eagles outshot Westmont 16–9 in the second period and finished with 36 shots overall, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

Westmont’s edge came from pace and physicality along the boards, consistently winning puck battles and limiting South Park’s clean zone entries late. Goaltender Ben Curry turned aside 33 of 36 shots for Westmont, while Drew Costello made 29 saves on 33 shots for South Park.

The game grew chippy in the third period, with multiple head contact and misconduct penalties assessed as both teams battled for momentum. In total, South Park accumulated 26 penalty minutes, while Westmont finished with 18.

Westmont improved by capitalizing on early chances and controlling play in transition, while South Park showed grit and pushback down the stretch, nearly completing the comeback.