Some call it sudden victory. Some call it sudden death.

On Wednesday afternoon in the quarterfinal round of the District 11 Class 1A field hockey tournament, both of those names seemed appropriate.

That’s because while Bethlehem Catholic was celebrating a 2-1 overtime win with hugs and happiness, Northern Lehigh and head coach Jess Frew were closing out a season and an era with tears and sadness.

Jaleesa Lanier’s goal less than two minutes into overtime gave the Golden Hawks the victory and propelled them into Monday’s semifinal round game against top-seeded Lehighton.

“I was proud of how we overcame a slow start and carried the play in the second half,” said Frew. “We were able to get the tying goal, but I’m disappointed we couldn’t take advantage of all the opportunities we had to end it in regulation.

“That gave them new life and with the 7-on-7 rules for overtime, there is a lot of open space and anything can happen.”

For Frew, it not only was the end to the season, but to her coaching career at Northern Lehigh. After 20 years on the Bulldogs sideline — the last 16 as head coach — she announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down after the season.

“Obviously, I’m emotional right now,” Frew said. “The girls are disappointed, I’m disappointed, but I told them how proud I was of them and everything they’ve given to me and this program.

“Wins and losses aside, playing field hockey at Northern Lehigh has become a legacy. I thanked my seniors for their contributions, and challenged our underclassmen to continue that tradition and to build on it moving forward.”

Bethlehem Catholic (8-9-1) dominated the first half, taking a 1-0 lead on a Kate Malloy goal, while owning a 4-0 edge in shots and a 7-1 advantage in corners.

But Northern Lehigh turned things around after intermission, tying the game on a Jada Mills goal with 23:44 left in regulation. The Bulldogs had advantages of 8-1 in shots and 11-1 in corners during the half .

“Credit Northern Lehigh for playing a great second half,” said Bethlehem Catholic coach Luke Wilde. “We felt good about the way we played in the first half, but they really had us on our heels in the second half.”

After getting just one shot and very little possession in the second half, the Golden Hawks won it with a lightning-quick counter attack that produced Lanier’s goal.

“I’m happy the way our girls put the second half behind them and regrouped for overtime,” said Wilde. “But as thrilled as I am for our kids, I feel bad for Jess.

“She has done so much to build the Northern Lehigh program over the years. She’s had an incredible coaching career. She deserves so much credit for what she’s accomplished at Northern Lehigh and for what she has contributed to field hockey in the area.”

CLUTCH … Northern Lehigh (11-8) had a great chance to win it in the opening minute of the overtime period, but Bethlehem Catholic goalie Kara Vasquez made an outstanding glove save to preserve the tie.

LEGENDARY … After inheriting a Bulldog program that was among the worst in the Colonial League, Frew turned Northern Lehigh into a perennial postseason participant. She leaves with a 171-137-13 record, which includes a 2013 CL title.