Hudson Field Hockey had an unforgettable team and season. This team is a perfect example of what hard work and determination can do. Coached By Louise Knox and Mo Trattner, the team made many incredible comebacks throughout the season. These girls put their hearts into the field and will do anything for the win. They play with passion and grit, always giving 110%. The team is defined by one word: incredible.
The coaches push the girls to their limits, looking for those with mental toughness and those who can handle the pressure. This group surely handled the pressure this season defeating some of the hardest teams in Summit County.
Hudson Field Hockey made one of the biggest comebacks of the year by beating Hawken for a spot at states this year in an insane game. In the second game of the season, Hudson lost to Hawken 5-1, with the game originally being rained out in the last quarter. The game was rescheduled for the next day to finish the 13-minute quarter, with the girls hoping for a comeback from their current 4-1 score. Unfortunately, they left with the score 5-1.
Hudson was hungry for the win. Senior Midfielder, Lindsey Rowedder, told her team before walking on to Scott Malson Field to beat Hawken that “It’s really hard to beat a good team twice.” The stands were packed with dedicated fans, including the Stow Bulldogs Field Hockey team who came to support Hudson’s team.
(Reese Harvey)
In the second quarter, Freshman Elora Beh scored, placing Hudson in the lead with a score of 1-0. Hawken came back and scored during the fourth quarter, which tied the score to 1-1. But they weren’t done yet, Hudson still had a chance in overtime, and the game wasn’t over. Hudson wasn’t going to just hand over another win for Hawken, they were prepared to fight. Coach Knox put out her seven players to fight for the win. “Play 110%, when you think you can’t play anymore you can, you all are prepared for this,” Knox told the team before overtime.
After a brutal fight, the score remained the same. The same seven continued to fight. After the ball went back and forth between both teams, the score was still the same. The teams prepared for strokes. The fans nervously watched as both teams gathered. Five girls were chosen for sudden death. Senior Captain Brooke Buchanan, Senior Annabelle Fauver, Junior Ruby Jacops, Junior Kristen Rogner, Junior Sofia Boyle, and Senior Captain Molly Curry in goal. Buchanan made the first stroke against Hawken. Then followed an intense back to back shootout between the teams, which was hard to watch. Ultimately, Boyle made the stroke that won for the team, advancing them to regional finals. It was surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch a game like that.
On Saturday, October 29, the girls boarded the bus at 9 a.m. for Hawken Field to play against their biggest rivals, Shaker Heights, in the final battle to advance to the States Finals. After previously beating Hawken in an amazing comeback after losing 5-1 earlier in the season, they were more than prepared. The team wanted to win in memory of last year’s seniors of 2021 that ended with a tragic loss, and for their current 2022 seniors. The team walked on the field with confidence, led by their senior captains Molly Curry and Brooke Buchanan. Dedicated Hudson Field Hockey fans filled the stands with more representation than Shacker could fathom. The Game started. A very intense first quarter with a score of 0-0. Second Quarter, Hudson rips an amazing reverse shot by Bucanan, leading Hudson 0-1. Third quarter, Hudson kept the lead. Fourth quarter, during a penalty corner, Buchanan ripped another amazing shot, Senior Maddie Clark tipping it right into the cage. Leading Hudson 0-2. Unfortunately, Hudson’s second goal didn’t count due to a foot call against Hudson, which according to film later watched, never happened.
Shaker ended up scoring in the fourth quarter after a third unnecessary penalty corner called against Hudson, by the referee (who used to work at Shaker), advancing both teams into overtime. Hudson had been preparing for this moment all season. The girls were ready to put up a fight. Seven girls stepped out onto the field ready to play for their coaches, fans and seniors. But in the first three minutes of overtime, Shaker sadly scored.
As biased as the game was, the Hudson girls were extremely respectful about the whole situation. Coach Knox assured the girls that their determination was strong in the final team huddle.“You girls played with serious grit and determination, and you all had a great season. There’s nothing that you could have done better.” The team knew the outcome wasn’t fair, but they played one of the best games they ever played as a team. Although it was frustrating, they still were proud of their efforts. Knox’s famous quote, “control the controllables,” was shared with the girls before heading back home.
This season had its ups and downs. Through every gasser, timed mile and Burma, the team stuck together and always had each other’s backs. They developed amazing bonds together like no other team. The team truly thanks the seniors and coaches for having something to fight for and giving the team a goal to win. The seniors have grown up on this team, and even though each year the team is different, they acted like they’ve been playing as a unit for years. All the memories they’ve made together will never be forgotten. It’s hard to say goodbye to such an amazing group of seniors and to all the cherished memories. The 2022 season was an unforgettable ride, and hopefully the 2023 season is just as exciting. Hudson Field Hockey will see you again next year!
