LITCHFIELD — Campbell of Litchfield consistently created scoring opportunities in an early season battle between two unbeaten Division III teams, but Somersworth's Rachel Hill required just a sliver of a chance to build a 3-2 comeback victory.

Though shadowed by several defenders whenever she touched the ball, Hill, a two-time New Hampshire Union Leader all-state selection, created tiny openings to tally two goals and an assist while stealing a home-turf win away from Campbell (3-1).

The senior, one of the most exciting and prolific scorers in the state, struck the game winner in the 76th minute. Hill collected a through-pass from classmate Emily Francoeur without breaking stride. She raced 35 yards on three touches, momentarily creating space between three defenders to boot a 15-yard crossing shot just inside the far post.

“We possessed the ball for 85 percent of the game but couldn't produce enough scores. We didn't finish enough chances,” said Campbell coach Bob Gannon after the thrilling game. Every goal tied the game or changed the lead.

With Savannah Cavanaugh exclusively marking Hill across the entire pitch, the Cougars took turns creating chances, clanking a couple against posts, sailing a few wide and watching Hilltoppers keeper Katie Bussiere tip two chances over the bar before Casey Mellen drilled a goal just inside the far post in the 45th minute. Campbell led 1-0.

Hill tied the score at 61:10, bulleting a strike from 30 yards out while surrounded by four Cougars. Somersworth (3-0) went ahead on a free kick play when Hill leaped at the far post to flick a serve across the goal face that Francoeur directed home.

Campbell reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute when freshman Olivia Crema settled a free ball to left-foot a goal from 15 yards out.

A minute later, Hill struck the game winner. It was her eighth of the season and 129th of her career.

“We escaped out of (Litchfield) with this win on some resilient effort,” said Somersworth coach Nick O'Brien. “Rachel's as tough as they come and wants to win in a big, big way.”

Campbell dominated the first half with give-and-go or crossing passes from Sydney Crema, Nicole Goldman, Anglea Valenti and Molly Lesperance serving up opportunity.

Hill and fellow senior Erika Ducharme, a defender, provided a spirited motivational effort at intermission.

“We showed some force in the second half,” said O'Brien. Alyssa Dalesio, Nicole Hinchey and Francoeur kept sending Hill on goal with through passes. With Cavanaugh shadowing her, Hill couldn't generate good shot angles. She persisted, eventually finding a way to finish the game.

“You can't give up. You can't ever give up,” said Hill.

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Eric Emmerling may be reached at eemmerling@unionleader.com.