There is little question as to how dominant the Darien Blue Wave field hockey team has been over the past four seasons.
To put it in perspective, the girls have held the FCIAC Championship trophy for four straight years—not to mention that the squad also owns four consecutive Class M state titles.
In 2008, they took their second consecutive FCIAC championship, and a Class M title. In 2009, the Blue Wave was 22-0, capturing both the FCIAC and Class M titles, the squad shut out its opponents 18 of those 22 and outscored its challengers by a count of 102-5. And in 2010, another Class M and FCIAC title.
Since 2008, the girls have not lost a game, making their record 93-0-1.
That all changed on Thursday.
Staples came into the FCIAC Semi-Final match up with determination, anxiety and nerves. The girls had just played Darien in September and held their own in a tough 3-2 loss.
The first half was fruitless for both squads. Both offenses were stagnant from the efforts of two tough defenses.
With 24:21 left in the game, Misha Strage ’12 put the ball in the net off a pass from Noortje Lueb ’14.
“It’s a dream come true,” Strage said. We have wanted this since we were freshmen and to have it finally happen—quite possibly the best moment in my four years of Staples field hockey. To be that team to beat Darien and end their streak is just un-freaking-believable.”
In the second half, Staples’ goaltender Chris Lueb ’12 played tremendously. Lueb pitched a shutout for the Wreckers in goal and let nothing get close to coming in goal. Callie Hiner ’12 also played impenetrably on the defensive side of the ball.
“Wow,” Hiner said. “It was an incredible team effort. Every single person from the players on the field and on the bench to the coaches and to all the fans cheering on the sidelines wanted this so badly, and we achieved our dream.”
“Darien is a great team and will always be stein competitors in the FCIAC,” said Emily Ashken ’12. “We hope to continue our success in the finals and the state tournament.”
The Lady Wreckers will play Wilton in the FCIAC Final match on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Brien McMahon in Norwalk.
