After winning the district title last year, Township’s field hockey team continued to practice and play. The MT field hockey program has reached new heights, becoming one of the strongest field hockey programs in the state, evidenced by their 21-4 record.
Township field hockey’s core values are respect, passion and trust (RPT), aspects the players say they strive for in every game. The team finished the regular season 16-2-0, allowing them to head to leagues with the same optimism as last year. Their regular season success continued in the postseason as they became back-to-back champions in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Winning the league title came with the benefit of MT’s first win of the season against rival Warwick.
Even though Township was unsuccessful in reclaiming its district title, the Blue Streaks were able to compete in the district finals and move on to states. However, their season ended Nov. 9 during the second round of state championships against Villa. Despite this end, Coach Shellenberger told her players she is proud of their hard work, dedication, and all they accomplished this season.
Many of the girls have accolades on the field, but, many of the team’s coaches and teammates expressed how incredible they are off the field. Members of the teams said that they have a bond unlike any other, as they respect each other as talented teammates and close friends. The team has done numerous amounts of team activities throughout the season, allowing them to get closer as time went on.
For seniors Teagan Byler, Gracie Clawson, Sarah Ebersole, Rose Montgomery, Ella Renz and Brooke Weaver, it’s the conclusion of years of field hockey training and relationships in Township. Even though six of the field hockey members made their final debut for Township during states, many of them will be continuing to play at university and college. Four of these seniors: Clawson as a back, Ebersole as a forward, Montgomery as a forward and Weaver as a midfielder, were recognized as L-L League Academic All-Stars, having a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. They are joined by Byler as a forward, Rylee Givens and Julia Weaver as midfielders, Addison Landis as a back and Emma Drolet in goal as Section 1 All-Stars. Seniors participated in the L-L League Senior All-Stars game, which closed the 2024 season for the team.
