(By Asim Siddiqui, Washington, D.C.)
In a charged atmosphere at Catholic University Stadium, Bishop O’Connell claimed its first-ever Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Field Hockey Championship, defeating four-time defending champions St. John’s with a thrilling 1–0 victory.
The game remained locked in a scoreless battle until just 3:19 remained, when sophomore Ysens Mason broke through with the decisive goal that secured the title.
The stands were alive with energy — parents and supporters from both teams beat drums, chanted, and cheered throughout the tense match. The intensity peaked when the losing side received two green cards and one yellow card, further fueling the drama.
As the final whistle sounded, O’Connell’s players erupted in celebration. Students danced, posed with the championship trophy, and embraced their coaches and parents, who rushed onto the field to share in the moment of triumph.
Goalkeeper Sophia Lianos delivered a stellar performance, making several outstanding saves and denying multiple near-certain goals. The forwards launched relentless offensives, while O’Connell’s defenders held the line with discipline and composure — a display of true teamwork.
“It felt like something out of a dream,” said Lianos. “It still hasn’t really sunk in — maybe it still hasn’t.”
Lianos, a junior, completed the entire playoff run without conceding a single goal, underscoring her calmness and skill under pressure.
The victory marked not only a milestone for the team but also a proud moment for the coaching staff. Head Coach Megan Sullivan and her fellow coaches were congratulated by parents and the school administration for leading the squad to such a remarkable and historic achievement.
