On Friday, November 6, the CA field hockey team lost in a gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of Hudson High School. The Vikes were playing to advance to the state championship, but came up just short against the Explorers.

Judging by the stat sheet, it would seem that the outcome of Friday’s semifinal was a Columbus Academy win. However, it was Hudson that managed to pull out a 1-0 overtime victory. Although the Vikings took 11 more shots and had 8 more corners than Hudson, they were unable to convert on any of their opportunities. With just 1:34 remaining in overtime, Hudson’s Hannah Yard scored on a penalty stroke to give her team the win. Despite an earlier exit from the tournament than expected, the Vikes still put together a great season, finishing 17-2-1 overall.

Although CA will be losing 7 key seniors next year, it looks like the program will reload yet again. Next year’s team will return 5 seniors, 3 juniors, and 6 sophomores, not to mention the incoming freshman class. Also, players from this year’s JV team will have the chance to earn their way onto varsity next year. The JV team, led by captains Olivia Ryan’18 and Jenny L’Hommedieu’19, was comprised of all underclassmen, and will funnel many talented players into the varsity squad.

Despite a disappointing end to the season, the CA field hockey program looks as though it will return to winning titles in the near future.