After winning the Maryland 4A state championship last year, the Quince Orchard varsity field hockey team looks to repeat their state championship, despite losing a pool of very talented seniors.

Led by last year’s Washington Post coach of the year Jenna Siegel, senior captain Natalie Ellenberger and juniors Alissa Peterson and Brooke Lee, the Cougars currently boast an 9-1 record and are ranked eighth in the DC Metro area by The Washington Post.

The ladies crushed the Watkins Mill Wolverines 8-0 September 29 and Seneca Valley proved to be no match October 2 when the team won 10-1.

The Cougars defeated Whitman High School 2-1 September 27 and the Clarksburg Coyotes September 24 and won with a score of 8-0. Senior midfielder Monica Baick scored a hat trick to help lead the team to their win.

September 19 the Lady Cougars played the Northwest Jaguars at home and dominated the game, winning 3-1.

They then battled it out against the Wootton Patriots September 14. With six minutes remaining, junior Brooke Lee hit the game-winning goal and gave the Cougars a 1-0 victory. Senior Katie Giles was a force in the goal, making several crucial saves.

In another defensive battle, the varsity field hockey team beat the Walter Johnson Wildcats 2-0.

The girls traveled to Edgewater, Maryland September 8 to play in the South River Tournament. In a rematch of last year’s state championship game, the Cougars squared off against the South River Seahawks but were unable to overcome an early deficit and lost 3-0. The highlight of the tournament was the team’s 2-1 win against powerhouse Glenelg High School.

“We didn’t realize how much hard work it took to get [to the state championship] and we were a little complacent,” said Peterson, “We’re starting to get back into a groove that will enable us to win again.”

The team opened their season with a 4-1 victory against the Magruder Colonels September 4.

The team remains confident as they wrap up the regular season. “As long as we keep working at a fast pace in practice...and [keep] playing with heart through the tough games we can be successful in looking to repeat the state title.” said Ellenberger.