Five Hampton Roads field hockey teams vied for the state titles of Classes 3, 4 and 5 on Sunday at Courtland High School. With Tabb and Poquoson squaring off in Class 3, and Cox facing Nansemond River in Class 5, there was an opportunity for three teams to win a title, on the Cougars’ royal blue field.
And on a chilly Sunday evening, three local teams claimed state championship hardware, as Great Bridge, Tabb and Cox all won.
In Class 4, Great Bridge’s Wildcats capped their third straight Class 4 championship in rare fashion, defeating Courtland 2-0 in a true home game for the Cougars.
The Cats scored both of their goals in the first half. Midfielder Greyson Curth tallied the first on a penalty corner with 15.8 seconds left in the first period. In the second period, sophomore forward Lily Johnson added the second goal, also on a corner.
Both goals were assisted by senior defender Anna Hopkins.
Great Bridge coach Katie Duke credited her team’s defense for leading Sunday’s effort.
“Courtland was able to get several corners against us, but our defense stepped up and played very well to keep the ball out, no shots,” she said. “They are a good team and definitely had some threats and opportunity against us.”
Duke also praised the cohesion of her squad.
“Our team played with poise and confidence, relying on all teammates and stepping up our passing game. Today, they held it together despite the pressure and played very well.”
For Great Bridge (19-3), the championship marked its fifth in field hockey.