Comets Cap Historic Season as Conference Champions, Securing Top Seed for Playoffs

The Comet boys closed out an unforgettable regular season Saturday afternoon with a 2–0 victory over the Melrose Dutchmen, marking another milestone in a year filled with achievement, grit, and celebration.

With this win, the Comets not only secured sole possession of the Lakes to Prairie Conference title but also earned the #1 seed in their subsection—a fitting conclusion to a season that saw them defeat teams they hadn’t beaten in decades. Along the way, Head Coach Rod Jensen captured his 300th career win, etching his name even deeper into Hillcrest’s storied athletics legacy.

Senior leadership once again set the tone in the season finale. With four minutes remaining in the first half, senior midfielder Drew Fischer placed a sharp pass to senior captain Lincoln Nash, who attacked up the right side, beat his defender, and drilled a low shot to the right corner of the Dutchmen's net to put the Comets up 1–0.

The scoring continued after half-time for the Comets, where striker Marco Salasar shredded multiple Melrose defenders and blasted a shot inside the 18-yard box to the top right corner of the goal, sealing the 2–0 win. The Comets outshot Melrose 9–7, and sophomore goalkeeper Will Selvig was perfect in the net, stopping all seven shots and recording his eighth shutout of the season.

The Comets wrap up their regular season with an 11-1-3 record, playing their tightest and most disciplined soccer just as the playoffs begin. The team’s balance of experience, chemistry, and composure has them peaking at exactly the right time —a hallmark of Coach Jensen’s leadership and the team’s commitment to one another.

After a first-round bye, Hillcrest will host their subsection quarterfinal playoff game on Thursday. A win there would send the Comets to the section semifinal, which they would also host next Saturday.