By: Tanya Chang
Sports Editor
The Los Gatos High School field hockey team wrapped up its most remarkable season yet, finishing third in the state and claiming first place in Central Coast Section (CCS) Division 1. This year ended on an extraordinary note, not just because of the wins, but because of the team’s resilience from the very beginning.
After last year’s painful quarterfinals, the Wildcats came back determined. Their momentum was strong, but this first loss came under unusual circumstances. In the postseason league placement game against St. Ignatius College Preparatory, Los Gatos controlled most of the match, keeping the ball in their attacking half. But in the final quarter, St. Ignatius managed to score twice, turning a 2–1 Los Gatos lead into a tough 3–2 loss. In the quarterfinals, Los Gatos faced Christopher High School in a high-pressure match. Despite the intensity, the Wildcats stayed composed and secured a clean 2–0 win, proving that their postseason goals were within reach. Next came the semifinal against Archbishop Mitty High School, a top competitor and challenge for the Wildcats. But Los Gatos came in confident; they had already beaten them twice this season. With disciplined defense and smooth passing, the Wildcats shut them out 2–0 for a third time, punching their ticket to the finals.
The CCS championship game against Saint Francis High School was the ultimate test. In the second quarter, officials award a stroke after an illegal trip brings down a Los Gatos player. Senior captain Kendall Sutherland buried the shot, remembering, ”It was the biggest feeling of relief and happiness as I ran to my teammates,” giving Los Gatos its first goal. As the quarter edged into overtime due to a short corner, senior captain Leaya Cleary fired in the second goal, sending the Wildcats into halftime with momentum. She commented, “I saw the space, and with the support and movement of my teammates was able to run through and get the shot off.” Early in the second half, senior Zoe Shyba scored the third and final goal, sealing a commanding victory and crowning Los Gatos the CCS Division 1 Champions.
Off the field, this season was built on bonding, trust, and chemistry. Junior Steine Bastien reflected, “We truly put in so many hours of hard work every day so when we won it finally felt like all of that hard work paid off.” From perfecting corners in practice to celebrating small wins during drills, the team grew closer through the sport itself. Their connection showed in every sequence, defensive stop, and moment. Sophomore Jihyung Hong, who moved up to Varsity this season, shared her favorite memory: “Belly talks the day before game days because they reminded us that together as a team we’re stronger.”
As the team celebrated their championship win, it was clear that this season meant more than a title; it marked the growth of a team that learned to play for each other. The ending serves as a beginning and a foundation for the Wildcats to build on as they fight for their next CCS title.