The Sacred Heart Academy Valkyries defeated the Christian Academy of Louisville Wednesday night in the KHSAA field hockey state championship.
The two teams are familiar with each other, having met in last season’s title game, where the Valkyries defeated the Centurions 3-1. This year’s title game marked the fifth meeting between the two teams this season, facing off against each other just nine days ago at regionals.
Christian Academy was looking for their first win against Sacred Heart this season. Amelia Ohr scored the opening goal for the Centurions, knocking in a loose ball.
Sarah Beneke tied the game for the Valkyries before the end of the quarter, scoring off an assist from Avery Brown.
Sacred Heart took the lead in the second quarter when Layla Lococo scored off an assist from Victoria Ostos. Mills Webber extended the Valkyries’ advantage to 3-1 with a goal in the third.
Ella Hodge pulled Christian Academy within one in the final minutes, but Sacred Heart’s defense held firm under late pressure to secure the team’s second consecutive state championship.
It is the sixth title for Valkyries head coach Eleanor Mitchell.
“It’s pretty unreal. Super proud of the girls. We had a great night,” Mitchell said. “CAL played a great game. It was a hard-fought game; we played them five times this season. It’s mentally tough, so I was very happy to come out on top.”
The championship carries added meaning for the Valkyries. It is the final season for high school field hockey as a KHSAA-sanctioned sport in Kentucky, making this the team’s last chance to add a state title banner.