It was a good Lundi Gras for Hannan soccer at Hawk Field as both the boys’ and girls’ teams advanced to the Division III state semifinals for the second straight season on Feb. 16.

The fourth-seeded Hannan boys survived a 3-2 nail-biter against fifth-seeded St. Charles Catholic. Hannan (15-6-2) controlled the tempo early in the first half, but St. Charles’ defense was up to the task.

Hawks’ ninth-year coach Trey Labat said his club’s fight was the difference.

“This is a huge win, making it back to the semis. I credit our guys for putting in the hard work and battling through injuries. We handled all the adversity having a next-guy-up mentality with some of our younger guys stepping up big time,” Labat said. 

“We played with intensity and managed to deal with St. Charles Catholic’s pressure. I liked our mental toughness throughout, and we never backed down.”

Hannan sophomore Pablo Araya, who scored twice, recorded his first goal in the 18th minute, giving the Hawks a 1-0 advantage. Junior Chase Marchetta gained control of a 50-50 ball and made a nice entry pass to Araya, who finished by heading it past the keeper.

“I got behind the defense and got a perfect ball outside the box, so I just headed it in. I was in the right place at the right time to get both of my goals,” Araya said.

“It was a hectic back-and-forth game in the first half, but we were more comfortable in the second half, finding each other. We’re a family and played hard for one another.”

St. Charles senior captain Tyler Milioto recorded the equalizer from point-blank range in the 25th minute. Just five minutes later, Hannan regained the lead when freshman Enex Hererra worked himself free inside the box, finishing from just four yards away for a 2-1 lead.

Hannan had another great scoring opportunity with just three minutes left in the first half, but Marchetta’s shot from 12 yards clanked off the left post, giving the Hawks a slim 2-1 halftime margin. 

Eleven minutes into the second half, Hannan found the range again when Araya outhustled the defense, scoring on a put-back off a deflected shot from Marchetta in the 51st minute. 

“We started off kind of slow, playing with some nerves in the first few minutes,” Hannan senior midfielder Casse Garrison said. “I’m proud of my teammates for doing whatever it took to get this win. We never lost focus and fought hard. It’s exciting to advance to the semifinals.”

The Comets didn’t go away quietly. St. Charles pressured Hawks’ senior keeper Greyson Dupre in the 74th minute with a crowd inside the box. Hannan failed to clear the ball, and Milioto tucked in his second goal sitting on the doorstep. But the Hawks held on from there.

St. Charles fourth-year coach Damon Milioto said it was a quality quarterfinals match.

“It just wasn’t meant to be for us,” he said. “That’s how the game goes sometimes. I’m proud of how we hung in there, leaving it all out on the field. We kept it close and never quit. Give Hannan the credit because they were more skilled with the ball than we were.”

The Hawks will play the winner of the University High-Bossier match in the semifinals later this week.

Girls: (1) Hannan 1, (8) St. Louis Catholic 0 — Hannan senior Kaitlyn Brady knew the Hawks needed a spark.

After battling through a scoreless first half, the Providence signee stood over a free kick from about 35 yards out in the 48th minute. The rest is history.

Brady sent a laser, directly on-target, soaring above the keeper’s head to give the Hawks the only goal they would need as Hannan (19-1-1) advanced to the semifinals for the fifth straight season.

“We needed something to happen, and I figured that was as good a time as any. I hit a line drive putting it on frame before the keeper could react,” Brady said. 

“We didn’t play a pretty game, but we did what we had to, finding a way to win. We are super pumped, still focused, taking it one game at a time.”

Hannan first-year coach Nathaniel Peters said he loved his team’s determination and grit in a physical battle.

“Their defense stacked the box with eight, making it very difficult to get behind them. They continued to deny us quality scoring opportunities. The defense did a good job, keeping things in front of them,” Peters said.

Hannan senior goalkeeper Caroline Avery finished with 10 saves as the Hawks have yet to allow a goal this postseason.

“Playing in late playoff games, it’s all about staying mentally prepared. You must handle dealing with so many emotions in pressure situations. We were composed and covered for each other,” Hannan senior defender Rebecca Frank said.

“We communicated well defensively and moved as a unit. We’ve had a great season, and we’re excited about moving on to the semifinals.”

St. Louis first-year coach Kyra Williams said her team, which includes 10 seniors, left it all out on the field.

“That was an all-out battle between two excellent teams,” Williams said. “Both of us hustled to the final whistle. I’m so proud of my girl’s effort and energy fighting to the very end.”

Hannan will host fifth-seeded E.D. White in the semifinals on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.

BOYS SCORE BY HALVES

St. Charles | 1 | 1 — 2

Hannan | 2 | 1  — 3

BOYS INDIVIDUAL SCORING

AHHS, Pablo Araya, 18th minute, 0-1; SCC, Tyler Milioto, 25th minute, 1-1; AHHS, Enex Herrera, 30th minute, 1-2; AHHS, Araya, 51st minute, 1-3; SCC, Milioto, 74th minute, 2-3.

GIRLS SCORE BY HALVES

St. Louis | 0 | 0 — 0

Hannan | 0 | 1  — 1

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL SCORING

AHHS, Kaitlyn Brady, 48th minute, 0-1.