HAMPTON — The best players often shine brightest in the biggest moments.
Trailing by a goal with less than 25 minutes remaining Thursday, the Winnacunnet High School girls soccer team turned to one of its best players to spark a comeback.
Senior captain Sophia Guimaraes, who scored the game-winning goal in last year's Division I state championship victory over Pinkerton Academy, again delivered when the Warriors needed her most in their Division I showdown with Seacoast rival Portsmouth.
After Winnacunnet fell behind 1-0 in the second half, Guimaraes scored the equalizer with 18:20 remaining and buried the game-winner with 5:51 left in regulation to lift the Warriors to a 2-1 comeback victory.
"That's senior leadership right there," Winnacunnet coach Nick O'Brien said. "She recognized the moment, recognized what was needed for the team and was able to finish her chances. She stepped up when we needed her."
Both goals were set up by sophomore Joya Penachio.
"Joya and Soph combined well twice and proved to be the difference makers in the end," O'Brien said. "They were able to execute when it mattered most in those final minutes."
Winnacunnet pulled even with 18:20 remaining when Pena...