Our 1st XI girls’ hockey team has arrived back from the Mary Clinton tournament in Whanganui. The team represented their school proudly by always supporting their teammates and opposing players, whether the score went their way or not, Sancta Maria was always the happiest team on the turf. Overall the team became closer both on and off the turf, forming a stronger more resilient team which promises a great season next year.
The girls won their first game on Monday against Onslow College, managing to score the winning goal in the last 40 seconds through Paris Stephens, gaining them the win by 3 goals to 2.
The next day the girls played two games, including a convincing win against Sacred Heart, Lower Hutt, 5-1. They went on to win pool D after the game against Northcote which they won 3-1.
Sancta Maria continued to fight hard and exceed expectations throughout the week, placing them in the top 8 overall. However, sadly, Sancta Maria is loosing two team members who will be leaving the school at the end of Year 13. Patricia Dela Cruz and Laura Richardson (captain) are two amazing players and will be missed.
A huge thank you to our coach, Ms Kate Bradley, who put her heart into this year’s team and never gave up on them. Another thank you to the parent helpers, Chris Young, and Denise Stephens for helping to look after the girls. And a final show of appreciation for Sancta Maria’s amazing supporters who travelled all the way down to Whanganui to support us and have always been there for the girls through the highs and lows of the season; Fiona Richardson, Denene Taylor, Ray Dougherty and Justine and Patrick Dougherty. The team looks forward to next season and welcoming the new players who will join the 1st XI.
Alex Dougherty
