METHUEN – It’s hard to call something a dream-come-true when its likelihood felt too uncertain to even think about. But after months of proving to itself that it belongs in its vaunted new league, the Lincoln-Sudbury girls hockey team locked down a surreal accomplishment Wednesday night it wasn’t expecting in the preseason.

With a 3-0 win over Methuen/Tewksbury, the Warriors (15-2-1) secured the MVC/DCL Large title in its first year as a member.

Reigning MVC/DCL Small MVP Harper Friedholm broke up another tremendous defensive affair late in the second period for the eventual game-winner, before younger sister Tatum Friedholm added the first of two insurance goals in the third for L-S. Eighth-grader Lauren Kennedy (20 saves) stood on her head in a challenging second, while the defense played well to limit activity in the other two frames.

“That feels so earned, as opposed to last year when we were in the Small,” said Lincoln-Sudbury head coach Paul Hardy. “This one, every game is such a battle, you’re not even thinking about (league standings). Just survive that next game, survive that next game, and then they build on each other and all of a sudden, you’re standing at the top. It’s wonderful, great for them.”

“It’s so great,” Harper Friedholm added. “It’s just huge, gives our team even more confidence come playoffs. We’re all ecstatic, I think that was the loudest locker room we’ve had all season. … Just pure happiness right now.”

After a season of low scores and cutthroat competition within MVC/DCL Large play, the pregame billing had no less to expect between two of the best defenses in the state.

The first 28 minutes of play reflected that, too, with Kennedy and Methuen/Tewksbury’s Lydia Barnes (25 saves) combining to stave off the few high-quality looks their blue lines allowed. But as the Red Rangers (11-4-1) started to hit an offensive rhythm in the second, that’s when Lincoln-Sudbury delivered.

Harper Friedholm sent a wrist shot through traffic with under two minutes left in the second period, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead and room to breath after a 12-save second period from Barnes. Methuen/Tewksbury responded with a bevy of trips into the offensive zone, but L-S was quick to defuse much of it and keep action to the outside.

“I think our defense played fantastic,” Harper Friedholm said. “Their forecheck is incredible, they have some great skaters. I think just when we took a second to breath, poise with the puck like (Hardy) always said – I think that calm really let us get shots to net, see the ice better.”

Even with the Red Rangers playing sound defense themselves, it didn’t take five minutes in the third for Lincoln-Sudbury to double its lead. Tatum Friedholm skated under the goal line and wrapped in the puck on the other side, squeezing it just past Barnes, 2-0, for a much-needed insurance goal.

Scoring with her sister in the league-clinching game wasn’t something Harper Friedholm thought about in the moment, but reflected thoughtfully on.

“It’s so great playing with her,” she said. “I think that shows all the hard work we put in, it kind of pays off. … Playing with her is such a good time. Watching her success in life is amazing.”

Methuen/Tewksbury fought hard in retaliation, needing a win to stay in the MVC/DCL Large title hunt. It got a few shots on Kennedy in pursuit of a last-minute tie, but the eighth-grader stood tall. Once the Red Rangers pulled their goalie, it was then Ally Quinn’s turn for an empty-netter, all but locking down a meaningful win.