This week, we will be starting our postseason coverage by highlighting the teams that earned a state title each week! This is an amazing accomplishment for these teams, and we are so excited to feature them and their journeys to the state championship.
Wisconsin
On Saturday, October 18 Divine Savior Holy Angels High School earned the title of Wisconsin state champions. While there are only 5 teams in the Wisconsin state tournament, it is an extremely tight competition in the group. In the final, Divine Savior edged Arrowhead Union High School 1-0. The matchup was defensively focused, with a lot of back and forth between the 25s. Divine Savior was gritty in the circle and was able to hold onto their 1-0 lead to come out with the win.
Michigan
October 25 was a day of heavy anticipation for the field hockey teams of both Pioneer High School and Dexter High School. Entering the state championship, Dexter had experience on their side, as both the reigning state champions and the winningest program in Michigan field hockey history. However, Pioneer was not intimidated by the challenge ahead of them. Pioneer goalie, Mara Boullion, had not let up a goal in the entire state tournament and was determined to continue that streak.
Despite high pressure from Dexter, Boullion and her defense remained strong. Dexter outshot Pioneer 9-7, but Zoe Schuchman and Maggie Lamb were able to push past the Dexter defense and put Pioneer up, 2-0. This scoreline would hold for the remainder of the game, and Pioneer won their first state title in shutout fashion. The achievement was extra special because it was also the first time that the Michigan High School field hockey tournament was sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletics Association. Winning not only their first state title, but the first ever MHSAS sponsored championship will definitely be an honor to remember for the Pioneer field hockey team.
North Carolina
While Pioneer High School was breaking traditions in Michigan on October 25, Country Day School was proving why they are a perennial success in the North Carolina field hockey world. The Buccaneers won their 16th state championship, setting an NCISAA record for the most field hockey championships. To earn their title, the Buccaneers faced off against long time rival, Charlotte Latin. It was a back-and-forth game, but the Buccaneers took the lead late in the third quarter thanks to a goal from Holland Wilkins. Wilkins said about the goal, “I just told myself I was going to score.” This goal was the only one of the match, and the scoreline would remain 1-0 Country Day until the final whistle.
