CA field hockey team caps undefeated season with state title

In their first appearance at the State Championship game in four years, the Colorado Academy Field Hockey Team returned to All-City Stadium to reclaim the state title on November 5, 2019. The Mustangs beat defending champions Regis Jesuit 2-1. The team finished the season undefeated at 18-0-0. They are the first championship team with a perfect record since the 2014 Mustangs.

In the semi-final game on November 4, a single goal by Senior Andersen Dodge sent CA to the finals with a 1-0 win over Kent Denver. In the championship game, goals by Juniors Julia Hall and Katharine Merrifield gave CA “the perfect ending to the perfect season,” according to Coach Veronica Scott. Team Co-Captain Merrifield agreed, saying the championship win “showcased how this team worked as a unit all season.” Merrifield scored 25 goals this season, making her Colorado’s leading scorer. Junior Rebecca Kerr and Senior Madeline Gordon shared goalie duties, fending off many shots by Regis. The championship team was led by five Co-Captains: Camille Doherty, Grace Fuselier, Julia Hall, Rebecca Kerr, and Katharine Merrifield.

As the team ran across the field with their trophy and banner, the crowd at All-City Stadium erupted with cheers, and family and friends hugged the players across the fence.

Words of encouragement

Prior to the final game, nearly a dozen CA Field Hockey alumni sent video messages of encouragement to the players, including Eliza Davis ‘18, Nellie Turnage ‘17, and Isabel Chandler ‘17. The special touch underscored the camaraderie and support among players from one year to the next.

“I’m super excited for this team and group of girls,” says Director of Athletics Bill Hall. “Coach Scott and Coach Drazdowski did a wonderful job leading the group. It was great to see all of their hard work culminate in a championship. It was also great to see so many fantastic fans in the stands supporting the team. What a wonderful community event.”

Numerous CA players received post-season honors. Seniors Camille Doherty and Madeline Gordon and Junior Katharine Merrifield were named to the 2019 Colorado High School Field Hockey All-Conference First Team. Senior Grace Fuselier was named to the All-Conference Second Team and received the CA Captain’s Award. Seniors Caroline Briggs, Lilly Clowes, Ella Marks, and Remy Sherman and Junior Julia Hall received All-Conference Honorable Mention honors.

CA’s Field Hockey program captured four consecutive State Championships from 2012-2015, another three in the 1990s and one in 1977. The 2019 win marks their twelfth championship game appearance.

The final games of the season were originally scheduled for the last week in October but were pushed to early November after back-to-back October snowstorms. But clearly, a little snow delay did not cool the Mustangs’ drive to bring home state honors to CA.

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