WHITEHALL -- The Selinsgrove High School field hockey team received some attractive hardware, along with some nice parting gifts, following Saturday's PIAA Class AA championship game.

But much like a mall shopper who has to settle for their second choice because the first is sold out, the style and color weren't what the Seals were looking for. They had to settle for silver instead of gold.

Corrine McConville scored on a controversial penalty stroke with 8:38 remaining in overtime as Lehighton defeated Selinsgrove 1-0 in a thrilling PIAA Class AA championship game at the Zephyr Sports Complex. It was the first trip to the state finals for either team, but only the Indians were smiling at the end after completing a perfect 25-0 season. Many of the Seals were in tears, however, after their first chance at a state title came up just short.

"It was a great year, and we kept fighting to the very end," said Selinsgrove coach Cathy Keiser, whose Heartland Athletic Conference Division I and District 4 champions finished 23-2. Both losses came against Lehighton by identical 1-0 scores, including a road setback Oct. 17, near the end of the regular season. "It's just so amazing to be here in the finals at states. There are about 150 schools that play hockey in Class AA, and to be No. 1 or 2 is a great feeling. We're a small town, and these girls just love the game and play with heart, and it's been a fun road. Whether we have the silver or gold, it feels good.

"But not as good," she added.

The disputed finish came as Lehighton senior forward Vanessa Rimbey broke free on a breakaway about six minutes into the seven-on-seven extra period. As Rimbey streaked into the circle from the left side, Seals senior keeper Amber Wendt came out to challenge her. Wendt dove for the ball about 10 yards out from the cage and Rimbey tumbled over her, with the far-side official awarding a penalty stroke.

"(Rimbey) had the ball and our keeper came out and tackled her, just like she's taught to do," Keiser said. "(The official) felt (Wendt) came out on body and wasn't going for the ball. I felt she was going for the ball; the ball was on the girl's stick, but the referee said she was going for the player.

"That's a tough call to make in a state tournament game."

Keiser later confronted the official for an explanation, but it was of little consolation.

"(The official) was right there, she said that she was confident in her call or she wouldn't have made it," Keiser said. "I've got to go with that. What can I say?"

Senior Selinsgrove midfielder Ashtin Klingler and her teammates saw it much as her coach did.

"I think the hardest part is we all thought it was a good slide tackle by Amber," Klingler said. "I thought she had all ball, but I guess not."

Even Lehighton coach Shawn Hindy had his doubts about the ruling.

"I thought it was a questionable call, but there were questionable calls throughout the game. I thought the refs did a good job. Sometimes that's what it comes down to. She took our player down, and we got a stroke," Hindy said.

McConville, a senior back, was selected to take the stroke from seven yards out. She lifted a nearly indefensible shot high and right -- to the left of Wendt -- who had virtually no chance at stopping it. The ball darted in just below the crossbar, sending the Indians streaming onto the field in celebration.