In a historic victory, the Glenbard West Varsity field hockey team defeated the New Trier Trevians for the 3rd place title at the IHSFHA State Tournament. This triumph was the first time the West field hockey program has ever beaten New Trier at a varsity level.

The game was cold and windy – the temperature was in the 30 to 40-degree Fahrenheit range. Glenbard West started the game strong, but the teams were evenly matched and no goals were scored in the first half.

Then, in the beginning of the second half of the game, junior Amber Bode scored a magnificent goal for the Hilltoppers, sweeping the ball across the circle, or scoring zone, and into the far corner of the goal cage! The crowd cheered and the team – proud, satisfied, yet wary – readied themselves for a tough retaliation from the Trevians.

After a few minutes, the Trevians’ wreaked their revenge; they scored on a penalty corner against the Hilltoppers. The score was tied once again, and stayed that way for the rest of the regulation game.

Next, the Hilltoppers went into the first ten-minute overtime. Six tense minutes later, junior Tessa Erickson scored with an assist from junior Jennika Park, tipping the game back into West’s favor. Glenbard West continued to defend against New Trier, ultimately keeping them from scoring and finishing the overtime with a 2-1 victory, thus winning 3rd place in the state of Illinois.

Fans, parents, coaches, and teammates were ecstatic. Karen Judge, head coach of the field hockey program, said of the team, “Their attitude to win was so intense that the team was able to dominate possession and come up with the winning goal. I was so happy for the players who used their emotions as well as their skills to beat the #2 seed.”

She added, “Team wins come from team unity and team determination. This win came from the players and each one of them should be proud of what they have achieved this season.”