The Oak Park and River Forest High School field hockey team figured on challenges during their Huskie Invitational last week, due to the presence of several top Midwestern programs.
Although the Huskies dropped their first two games before winning their finale, head coach Kristin Wirtz thought progress was made. The tourney was won by Ann Arbor Pioneer, which defeated Lake Forest in the title game.
“I think the tournament helped us try some things out,” Wirtz said. “It also reminded our athletes that they are a great team, and we can compete with these strong teams.”
On Sept. 27, OPRF (3-8-1) lost the invitational opener to Pioneer 6-0, but Wirtz felt the Huskies played better than the result indicates.
“While the score doesn’t show it, we competed with them strongly for three quarters,” she said. “Our team just needs to remember to believe in themselves.”
Later that evening, the Huskies dropped a tight 2-1 match to Louisville Collegiate. Senior Siena Alfonsi tallied OPRF’s sole goal.
The next day, sophomore Maeve Carmody’s two goals helped OPRF blank Milwaukee Divine Savior Holy Angels 4-0. Seniors Rosie Ondria and Paulina Simkowski each added a goal for the Huskies.
Oak Park and River Forest’s Maisie Hoerster (11) and Pioneer High School’s Grace Gradbowski (5) collide going after the ball during the Huskie Invite Friday, September 27, 2024 in Oak Park. | Steve Johnston 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Siena Alfonsi (13) sends the ball up field against Pioneer High School during the Huskie Invite Friday, September 27, 2024 in Oak Park. | Steve Johnston 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Siena Alfonsi (13) defends Pioneer High School’s Lily Soldan (10) during the Huskie Invite Friday, September 27, 2024 in Oak Park. | Steve Johnston 
Oak Park and River Forest’s Rosemary Ondrla (2) works the ball between the Pioneer High School defenders during the Huskie Invite Friday, September 27, 2024 in Oak Park. | Steve Johnston
Senior Kiera Locke, whom Wirtz said “had a great weekend,” was in goal for all three games and made over 30 saves in the tournament.
“We also played [Louisville] DuPont, who couldn’t come Friday due to weather from [Hurricane] Helene,” Wirtz added. “It didn’t count toward the tournament. We lost 3-0 in regular time and then played overtime and shootouts to add some fun.”
With just a few matches remaining before the state playoffs, Wirtz would like to see OPRF sharpen its game, believing at this point it’s more mental than physical.
“We just need to start believing that when things might go wrong, we need to maintain the belief that we can still do it,” she said. “The mental part of the game is always the most challenging, but I believe this group can do it.”
The Huskies will hit the road this weekend as they take part in the Great Lakes Showcase, Oct. 4-5, in Dexter, Michigan.