Colorado Academy defeated Kent Denver 4-2 on Wednesday night to win its ninth state field hockey title. The Mustangs, who were the top seed, avenged their lone loss of the season—a 3-2 setback to Kent Denver on opening day—to capture the trophy at chilly Legacy Stadium in Aurora.
Victory was a familiar feeling for head coach Veronica Scott, who won her sixth state title with Colorado Academy since arriving in 2014. For the players, however, it was a new experience. Only senior Sophie Freyer had previously hoisted a championship trophy, leaving the rest of the roster to experience the triumph for the first time. “I do remember the feeling and it’s a good one, it’s one you always want to have,” Scott said.
From Early Defeat to State Crown
On Aug. 26, Kent Denver defeated Colorado Academy 3-2, a loss that proved to be the only blemish on an otherwise perfect 18-1 season for the Mustangs.
“Without sounding arrogant, because of where we finished last year, we knew we were on the right track,” Scott said of her team’s mindset after the opening loss. “We then knew we had dedicated players, so we kept the squad intentionally small, so they could work together and work hard.” The strategy paid off, as Colorado Academy won its final 18 games to earn a rematch with the Sun Devils in the state championship.
A Championship Game for the Ages
The championship game was a battle between two Colorado field hockey powerhouses. Kent Denver, seeded fourth, had its own statement to make after ending the two-year title reign of Cherry Creek with a 4-0 victory in the semifinals. The Sun Devils’ defense, led by sophomore goalie Aberlee Steiner, had been formidable in the postseason, shutting out No. 14 Palmer Ridge, No. 6 Arapahoe, and No. 2 Cherry Creek.
Colorado Academy’s offense, however, was relentless. The Mustangs struck first as time expired in the opening period. Freyer converted a pass from sophomore Emmaline Sprick on a penalty corner chance as the quarter’s closing horn sounded. “That felt so good and it gives you motivation to keep going,” Freyer said. “When they get down, you have to keep your energy high.”
The goal was the first Kent Denver had allowed in the postseason and it shifted the momentum entirely. The Mustangs poured it on, with sophomore Tatum Burstein adding a quick transition goal just three minutes into the second quarter. The lead grew to 3-0 early in the third quarter when a shot by junior Sysy Robinson was ruled a goal, creating what turned out to be an insurmountable deficit.
Kent Denver fought back with goals from sophomore Maya Johnson and junior Harper Calkins, but Colorado Academy answered with a tally from freshman Lexi Freyer on a rebound, putting the game away. The Mustangs’ swarming defense proved too much for the Sun Devils to overcome, sealing the 4-2 victory.
A Dynasty in the Making
The team’s success is built on a culture of unity. “The personnel we have, they were able to know their strengths and connect as a team,” Scott said. “This team was such a family unit and so close of the field that it helped them be a good one on the field.” Three key seniors—Sophie Freyer, Georgia Roberts, and Edie Esposito—will leave a significant void, but the future is bright with young talent already stepping up.
“I’m so lucky to be a part of this amazing team and community,” Freyer said. “These younger players are going to keep evolving and they can definitely keep this going.”
