On Nov. 5, the Lady Barons field hockey team faced the Olympian (OHS) Eagles on home turf. Although the Lady Barons did not advance further into playoffs, it was their first entrance into CIF playoffs since 2021. Although it was an unfortunate loss, the team and coaches were very proud of everything they accomplished and improved on leading up to this game.
“It was a night and day difference. We played Olympian earlier in the season but our team dynamic has completely changed from then until now,” BVH Head field hockey Coach, Sabrina Sanchez said, “[Now] this group of girls is really in it no matter what, and they give it their all for each other.”
In preparation for the playoff game, the team worked hard during every practice in preparation for their first playoff game in CIFs. Lady Barons’ senior right forward, Briana Gutierrez (10) explains how practices typically went and how they were modified for playoffs.
“Preparation consisted of us practicing every day after school and we even had a night practice. Every practice was an hour and a half to two hours,” Gutierrez said, “We were just practicing on strong passes to make sure we could go around [OHS’s] girls and get to the goal faster.”
These late night practices consisted of drills that would help the Lady Barons maneuver and pass more effectively while playing against their opponents. The weight of knowing that the team hasn’t made it to the playoffs in the last three years added apprehension to the team during warm ups. Lady Barons’ Goalie, Rebekah Silva (22) explains her team’s feelings leading up to the start of the game.
“There were nerves. [We were] feeling super nervous about it because it was obviously a really important game,” Silva said, “All of the team was on edge, nervous and anticipating what was going to happen next.”
As the game started, Bonita’s teamwork was on point as the Lady Barons’ passes were a force to be reckoned with. As OHS gained possession of the ball and made their way to their goal, Bonita’s defense did not allow anything to get past them. Silva (22) shares how her performance as goalie helped hold the score evenly for the majority of the game.
“I played really well. As a goalie, I had a lot of saves and didn’t just let any scores through without a fight, I fought to hold them as long as I could. I’m really proud of the way I played,” Silva said.
During the second quarter, disaster struck when Gutierrez (10) suffered an injury to the head after being struck with the ball in the eye. Despite her injury and immediate swelling from the strike to the head, Gutierrez (10) rose from the bench not long after being pulled out. Gutierrez described her thought process while on the bench and how it eventually led to her decision to go back on the field.
“I felt like ‘Oh, this is going to be it for the game.’ Once I sat on the bench, I had a couple of seconds to reflect and I just wanted to get back out there. Even though I was in pain, I felt like I needed to give it my all and push for the last two quarters,” Gutierrez said.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, the Lady Barons and the Eagles were still neck to neck. Bonita’s defense continued to hold strong against OHS as the ball shifted in possession from team to team. Both teams struggled to score first throughout the first three quarters of the game as it remained a tie.
“For the longest time, this program has really been focused on defense and there was never a worry [about defense]. Every single corner got off, the [other team] never scored on a corner,” Sanchez said. “Everybody plays defense, so it’s really a team effort.”
Entering the fourth quarter, OHS got close to scoring but wasn’t able to. As the clock reaches closer and closer to the end, overtime becomes a very real possibility. However, OHS gained possession of the ball due to some lackluster calls from the referees, so they were able to make their way closer to the goal and score twice back to back before time ran out. As the game ended, Silva recalled her observations on how the team felt the moment the game was over, realizing that this game was the end of a strong season.
“After the game, the team was pretty emotional over knowing that it was the seniors’ last game. I gave a big hug to all my defense, saying thank you for a great season,” Silva said. “We were all sad that we lost, and were sad that it was against Olympian because we have history with them, so letting them beat us was heartbreaking.”
Despite the loss, the team felt that their experience during this field hockey season was one of their better seasons compared to recent years. Sanchez in particular repeatedly praised her team for making the playoffs, and explaining how getting the chance to see them reach the playoffs was a feat that would not go underappreciated. Although the Lady Barons 2024 season ended on a tough loss, the next season is shaping up to be very promising.
“We were just really proud to make the playoffs. It’s the first time the team has made it in three years, so we really wanted the girls to take in the moment,” Sanchez said, “This season’s really been about making memories for these girls, so we want them to take in the moment.”
