CENTEREACH, N.Y. — The Orchard Park High School girls field hockey team defied many odds this season and finished it off with an impressive run to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A State Final.
Orchard Park lost in the state championship game 4-0 to Mamaroneck.
The Quakers started the season 3-1 after beating Amherst 2-0, Williamsville North 3-2, and Hamburg 2-1. Things were looking up for Orchard Park until it dropped their following three games, which ultimately set them back to 3-4.
This minor setback didn't stop the Quakers from making their incredible playoff run though, as they ended up finishing out the rest of the season with a eight-game win streak.
Their momentum even carried through the playoffs, as Orchard Park advanced to the NYSPHSAA Class A final against the Mamaroneck Tigers.
Going into Sunday's game, the Quakers knew what they were facing up against. The Tigers, who were 21-0-1 this year, showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Orchard Park knew this was going to be a tough game. They gave it all they had, but they just weren't able to finish it off in Long Island, dropping the championship game 4-0.
Despite the loss, members of the community couldn't be more proud of the accomplishments this team has made this season.
Coaches Bridget Callahan and Emily Markarian could see and feel the overwhelming amount of support throughout this run, which they say the team is incredibly grateful for.
"Everyone is so excited and so proud to see how far Orchard Park Field Hockey has come," Markarian said. "Reaching the championship has been more than what we've ever expected. We have never made it this far in Orchard Park's history. We know we've been the underdogs throughout the playoffs and we have embraced every opportunity that has come our way. To get this far. ... We are so incredibly grateful for the postseason opportunities and we are looking forward to growing and developing more for next season."
As the team travels back together from Long Island, they will look back, reflect, and cherish all the accomplishments they have made together this season.
