Varsity field hockey captured their ninth Friends Schools League Championship and the first since 2018 with a 4-1 victory over Shipley on October 27th.
Isabel Waelchli opened the scoring for the Lions in the first quarter when Mary Vandegrift connected with her during a corner play. During the second quarter Molly McCabe found Olivia Sweigard for back to back goals to give ANC a 3-0 lead at the half. In both cases, McCabe drove the ball up the right side of the field on a fast break, crossing it to Sweigard who put the ball in.
During the third quarter, Yvonne Prue inserted the ball to Ellery Johns who drove the ball into the goal to put the Lions up 4-0. Shipley scored late in the fourth quarter.
Ayla Mergen and Olena Abakah-Williams were integral in right side defense and midfield play, while senior left back Teagan Henderson had several major stops on Shipley fast breaks. Right back Sadie H. rounded out the defense, holding Shipley to just eight shots on goal. Senior Zarah Synnestvedt tallied seven saves in goal for the Lions.
Head Coach Sarah Cooper Waelchli stated, “Teamwork wins championships, and these players worked together as a cohesive unit to bring out each other’s strengths. They played an amazing game—the best of the season—and their intensity never let up. It was a well-deserved win!”
Captain Zarah Synnestvedt said, “we had been working towards this moment all season, and it felt amazing that our dedication paid off! It was the perfect ending to a fabulous season!”