2025 Field Hockey Champions

The varsity girls field hockey team secured their third consecutive Friends Schools League Championship with a 3-1 victory over Westtown on October 28th. 

Olena Abakah-Williams put the Lions on the board early, scoring off a corner with an assist from Olivia Sweigard midway through the first quarter.

Both the second and third quarters remained scoreless as ANC delivered an outstanding defensive performance, holding off Westtown’s 12 penalty corners. “We had lock-down defense,” said Molly McCabe. “Even though it looked like they were controlling the game at some points, we were confident from the beginning that we had the skills to win.”

McCabe extended the lead five minutes into the fourth quarter, finishing a pass from Isabel Waelchli to make it 2-0. Just under a minute later, Lily Odhner capitalized on a rebound off the goalie’s pads to put the Lions up 3-0. Westtown responded with a goal of their own, but ANC’s defense held firm to seal the 3-1 win. Goalkeeper Abby Szafran tallied 12 saves.

“The feeling on the field was electric,” said Isabel Waelchli. “You never felt alone because your teammates were always supporting you. And our student fan section was outstanding!”

Coach Sarah Cooper Waelchli added, “Playing in the FSL Championship game is such a privilege and joy. We worked the entire season to make it to this game and we knew in order to win we would have to work together, trust each other, and stick with our game plan. During the huddles the team was calm and focused–the players were following the plan and executing.”

Reflecting on the season, Mary Vandegrift shared, “The overall connection of the team from day one contributed to our success through all the ups and downs.”