Girls field hockey was on a six game unbeaten streak when they headed to Pennsylvania to participate at the Max National High School Invitational from Sept. 23-25 The team’s record stands at 14-4 after winning two and losing two at the weekend invite. 

They beat highly ranked Torrey Pines 3-1 on Sept. 23 and Sacred Heart 3-0 on the same day. The girls finished the invite fifth out of 20 teams.

The team beat Oak Park-River Forest 3-0 on Thurs. Sept. 29, as well as rival, Loyola, 1-0 on Wed. Sept. 21.

The 2021 state-champions remain undefeated in-state.

“This tournament also showed us skills and aspects of our play that we need to work on as we near the end of the season due to the high level of play of the competition,” Junior player Lilly Goettsche says. 

The team is ranked 125th nationally, but first in the state of Illinois with thrilling wins against big rivals. 

The team traveled to St. Louis on Sept. 2 and Sept. 9. While they lost both games, the trip gave them the opportunity to bond and better understand their playing style.

Players say practices are lively and fun, but also maintain a supportive and focused environment. 

“Everyone is very competitive, but in a good way. We’re always looking to push each other to get better so we can be the strongest version possible,” says Junior Makenzie Gable. 

With 15 state trophies, the team is determined to get back to the championship again this year. 

“Staying focused in practices and always putting forth our best effort will help us get to the most exciting part of our season,” says Gable. 

It’s an especially exciting year to the team because the school will get to host the tournament again after hosting it last year. 

“We have to be mindful that just because we were the 2021 State Champions and we have been dominant in Illinois so far, we cannot rely on our past wins to guarantee us a spot,” adds Goettsche.