Addie Erdman rarely spoke when she was a freshman on Dulaney High’s field hockey team in the fall of 2019.

Fast forward to early Tuesday evening at Towson University’s field hockey complex and her Lions team chanting, “Addie, Addie,” as she was the last to receive the Baltimore County championship player plaque.

Erdman was the hero for No. 14 Dulaney, which dethroned rival and 11th-ranked Hereford, 2-1, in penalty strokes, for the league title.

“My freshman year I really didn’t talk to anyone on the team, it wasn’t really my crowd,” said Erdman. “After four years, I’ve got better at talking with them.”

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It was full circle for Erdman, who stood in the goalie box in last year’s league final at Hereford. Riley Hackett beat Erdman for the decisive penalty stroke.

“I was so nervous, my legs were shaking,” said Erdman, thinking back to last year’s game. “I really didn’t play well.”

Addie Erdman was clutch for Dulaney field hockey Tuesday. The senior finished with eight saves including critical stops in regulation, overtime and the penalty strokes session as the Lions dethroned Hereford as Baltimore County champions. (Derek Toney)

All that stood between Erdman and the title for Dulaney (10-3 overall) was Hackett Tuesday, with little light remaining from the gray clouds overhead. Erdman went to the turf to stop Hackett’s attempt, but the ball came back to Hackett who fired a shot into the box.

The game referees waved the shot off because the 10-second shot clock had expired before Hackett released her last attempt.

“It was a little nerve wracking,” said Erdman of the final stroke.

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Erdman and counterpart, Hereford’s Bailey Berquist (five saves) were resolute through 60 minutes of regulation and 20 of overtime action. Erdman made a couple of stops in the final two minutes of the second overtime.

Caitlin Meeker beat Erdman to end the first of five penalty stroke rounds, giving the Bulls (10-3) the advantage. Junior MK Anglim and sophomore Eve Fowler converted their respective attempts, putting Dulaney ahead.

Campbell Bowman’s opportunity to clinch it for the Lions at the start of the final round went wide, leaving it to Addie Erdman to close it out.

“She was insane,” said Dulaney coach Meredith Lott.

Though the Lions didn’t score through 80 minutes of field engagement Tuesday, Lott said practicing on Carver A&T turf in the days leading up helped her squad. Dulaney’s home field is grass.

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Despite falling short in its repeat bid, Hereford coach Caitlin Duvall believes her squad is focused on another deep state postseason run.

“I think this loss is really motivating for us,” said Duvall, whose team split with Dulaney during the regular season. “This team is super coachable and they’re eager to atone for last year.”

Hereford, which lost in the Class 2A state final to Glenelg, begins postseason next Wednesday against either Lansdowne or Eastern Tech in the 2A North Region I final.

Dulaney returns to action Monday at home against Perry Hall in the 4A North Region I semifinals. The Lions lost to eventual state champ Severna Park in the 4A state final four.

“What more can I ask from the girls, they’re super hungry and eager to win,” said Lott. “This is great momentum going into the playoffs.”

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Dulaney won the Baltimore County field hockey championship Tuesday afternoon at Towson University. The Lions return to action next week in the Class 4A North Region I semifinals. (John Bowers)

BALTIMORE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

at Towson University

NO. 14 DULANEY 0, NO. 11 HEREFORD 0 (Dulaney wins, 2-1, in penalty strokes)

Hereford 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0

Dulaney 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0

Saves: Hereford - Bailey Berquist 5; Dulaney - Addie Erdman 8