At first glance, the Oak Park and River Forest High School field hockey team’s record of 2-6-1 would indicate a rough start. But eighth-year head coach Kristin Wirtz says the Huskies have played better than the results show.
“Our record doesn’t reflect the season we are having,” she said. “We’ve been within one goal in almost every game we’ve played.”
Indeed, a closer look at the results shows that four of OPRF’s last five losses have come by a single goal, and the other came in overtime. That gives Wirtz reason to be optimistic.
“This really is a great team,” she said. “I have high hopes for the rest of the season, including the postseason. We have competed and improved in each match we’ve had.”
OPRF returned 14 players from last season’s varsity roster. Wirtz says seniors Siena Alfonsi, Ari Boyer, Ava Gallagher, Abby Najera, and Rosie Ondria are the leaders of this year’s team.
“Rosie has been a force for us on the midfield line. Ava is great at seeing the field and creating offense for us inside the circle,” Wirtz said. “Ari has been having an amazing season with huge saves against very competitive teams.”
The Huskies have gotten contributions from newcomers, sophomores Maeve Carmody and Maeve Fishburne; juniors Annie Barnes, Delaney Cherikos, and Grace Moroney; and seniors Blaire Brown and Bailey Mosbacher.
“They’ve brought high energy and great attitudes,” Wirtz said.
Traditionally, OPRF has used its annual Huskie Invitational to provide momentum for the balance of the season. This year’s tournament, which takes place Sept. 27 and 28, includes Lake Forest, Ann Arbor Huron, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Louisville Ballard, Louisville Collegiate, Louisville DuPont Manual, and Milwaukee Divine Savior Holy Angels.
In a marked difference from years past, the Huskie Invitational will be played at three on-campus sites: Lake St. Field, Oak Park Stadium, and the recently-opened OPRF track and field facility, which has a turf field in the middle that can be used for field hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer.
“It’s great to have the [extra] field space. We’re very excited,” Wirtz said. “Honestly, all of the games will be very competitive. DuPont, Lake Forest, and Pioneer are always very tough competitors.”
Wirtz adds that the Huskies’ key to success the rest of the season is trust. She states each player needs to trust herself and each other.
“Success is not always defined by wins and losses,” Wirtz said. “We’re focusing heavily on our goals and finding success. The more we achieve those, the more wins I believe we will see. This team wants to compete in state and I absolutely believe we can get there.”