The Loyola Academy Ramblers Field Hockey took on the Lake Forest Academy Coxy Field Hockey for the Sectional Semifinals on Oct. 22nd, 2024 at Francis Parker.
The Ramblers won the game 4-0 to advance to the Elite Eight.
Going into this game, Loyola was ranked fourth in the state and was 14-5 and Lake Forest was 13-7.
The Sectional Semifinals game was incredibly significant, as it was the first round of playoffs and determined who would move on.
The head coach of the Loyola team is Misty Brady. Brady’s strategy going into the game was to have smooth stick to stick passing that would get the ball down the field.
“It was satisfying to watch them move the ball with precision and strength, and have it finish as a goal,” Brady said.
One of the key goals of this game was done by doing exactly this. Freshman Natalie Paul scored one of her two goals stick to stick passing from senior Ingrid Kavanaugh, to sophomore Jilly Rocchio, to junior Caroline Kotz, who got Paul the ball and allowed her to make this goal.
Another key play of the game was at the start of the third quarter. Kavanaugh, Kotz, and senior Lily Tarzon created a formation at the top of the circle that made it very difficult for the Lake Forest goalie to stop the ball. Tarzon was able to get a shot off and score for the Ramblers.
Brady’s other main strategy for the team was to remember the basics of field hockey. She hoped that her team would know what was at stake and keep good skills.
The Ramblers were also able to follow through with this, which ultimately led them to their 4-0 victory.
Brady was very proud of her team for their performance during this game and all the ones leading up to it. “We are fourth in the state because we put in the work,” she said.
Looking back on the game and looking forward to the rest of the season to come, senior captain Catherine Bransfiled said, “It is bittersweet how the season is coming to an end; however the progress we made is incredible.”
All of the team members seemed very proud of themselves and excited to continue the season following their win.
“As a team we are so tight knit,” senior Nia Nikas said. “We all built something together.”
The Loyola Field Hockey 2024 team has gotten a lot farther than teams in previous years and has truly made an impact on the future of the program.
Unfortunately, the Ramblers lost in the Elite Eight on Friday, Oct. 25 to Latin, which brought their season to an end. While the team was sad, they had an amazing season.
“I could not have asked for a better team,” Bransfield said.
Up next for the team is the winter offseason, which will be filled with lifting and indoor practices. Then, they start up summer camp to prepare for the 2025 season.
Congratulations to the Loyola Field Hockey team on a great season!
