It took a full game plus two overtimes to crown the Tabb varsity field hockey team state champions. For the second time in school history, Tabb High School has the honor of being the home to the state’s best field hockey team. After long summer days and endless fall practices, the hard work and dedication has paid off for this team of girls. Not only did these girls achieve their ultimate goal, but they did it without falter. By outscoring opponents 103-7, the Tigers held a perfect 24-0 record.

After a spotless regular season, the girls battled future state championship game opponent James Monroe in the regional semi-finals. They then played rival Grafton in the regional championship game. In front of record crowds, the Tigers defeated Grafton 1-0 to win the regional title and planted themselves in the state semi-finals. In the first state playoff game of the year, Tabb faced Orange County High School where, the Tigers fought to a 1-0 victory and chance to play James Monroe for the state championship.

Early in the morning of the state championship, the Tigers prepared for a chance at school history and local glory. Many fans gathered around a rain soaked National Olympic Training Center in Virginia Beach to watch Tabb face off with familiar foe, James Monroe. Tabb came out strong in the first half drawing first blood when Colleen Patterson scored her first of two goals to put the Tigers up 1-0 in the first period. The James Monroe Jackets didn’t let up and battled back to tie the game at 1-1 at halftime. Freshman Lauren Neff scored the most important goal of her career; this gave the Tigers the lead at 2-1.

 “It was amazing; I was so shocked to score. I got the pass off the corner and just shot it, it was a great feeling,” Neff said.

Shortly after, the Jackets answered with a goal off of a corner play to tie the game 2-2 and send it into overtime.

After the first sudden victory overtime, each team was reduced to six players and a goalie. The score remained tied at two as both teams prepped for the second overtime period. Seven minutes and three seconds into overtime, Colleen Patterson netted her second goal of the game and sealed the victory and state title for the Tigers.

This team will go down in Tabb history as one of the best field hockey teams the school has ever had. The girls will be held in envy by many students. Their pictures will hang on the wall outside the gym for all to see. Along with the pictures and trophies, the girls are excited about showing off their state championships rings.