Manual’s field hockey team suffered their first loss of the season on Thursday night. It was a rematch of last year’s state championship game featuring the only two remaining undefeated teams in the state. But this year, Sacred Heart Academy came out victorious.

Home team Sacred Heart scored just under seven minutes into the game. Casey Vidal (12) got the only goal for the entire first half.

In the second half, Manual fought back with a goal by Kelly Taylor (11) with 18:37 left in the game. Eight minutes later, Sacred Heart regained the lead with a goal from Taylor Lewis. That’s all SHA needed to hold off the defending state champions.

Before claiming the state title last year over SHA, Manual had a regular season loss to Sacred Heart. Just like last year,  Manual hopes to bounce back and look for revenge in the playoffs. “We’re going to stay positive and look to see them at state for round two,” said Manual defensive player Grace Cockrum (12).

Manual’s team felt they didn’t play their best game tonight and that is leading to confidence for the rematch. “That may have been one of our worst games, which makes us less worried for next time we play them. If we can keep SHA 2-1 then we can do anything when we play well,” said Hayley Barker (11).