Haddon Heights played most of the second half threatening in Shore Regional's territory after Pinsky's goal six minutes into the period.
"We weren't going to go out the way we played in the first half," coach Brad Kent said. "We talked at halftime: Remember who you are. Remember how far we've come and how good we've played this season."
The 11 seniors, who had led the Garnets (19-4-1) to their first sectional title, heeded that message.
"We have so much heart," Pinsky said. "We made history this year, and it was like, we can't give up now. . . . Why give up now?"
Pinsky's goal, a blast from more than 25 yards that sneaked in by the left post, changed the momentum for good.
It was a far cry from the first half, when Shore Regional (15-6-1) scored two goals four minutes apart, the second coming on a corner.
Haddon Heights and goalie Becky Tansue had recorded 13 shutouts and allowed just 15 goals in 23 games.
"We're not used to that," Kent said of the first-half scoring. "That kind of took us back a little bit. We were playing on our heels."
The Garnets had several late chances, including a free kick from just outside the 18. On another play, Taylor Nichols squeezed off a shot from inside the box that went over the net.
When time ran out, a couple of players fell to the turf, disbelieving their rally had fallen short.
"Everybody else is crying, but it hasn't hit me yet," Pinsky said. "We made history. This is the best our team has ever been. I'm so proud."
Shore Regional 2 0 – 2
Haddon Heights 0 1 – 1
Goals: SR-Caroline Slater, Samantha McDonough; HH-Jayne Pinsky.
Saves: SR-Amanda Olsen 3; HH-Becky Tansue 3.
Contact Tim McManus at tmcmanus@philly.com, or follow on Twitter @ByTimMcManus.
