Championship Preview: Panthers eye second straight title after going undefeated in 2019

By Thomas Becker

UPEI's field hockey team appeared headed for a rebuild following their 2018 championship run, but instead of taking a step back, they reloaded and are now the favourites heading into this weekend's championships.

In 2019, they added 10 freshmen, while retaining just seven players, including veterans Sarah Sear, Karleigh McEwen and goaltender Jacklyn Mackinnon. To say their season could've been decided by a coin toss wouldn't have been an exaggeration.

"We really didn't have any expectations coming into this season," said head coach Lacey MacLauchlan. "We knew our team was going to be young this year, but we also knew we would have a few core seniors coming back, so we were still quite hopeful and optimistic."

Backed by a strong resumé that now includes a championship, MacLauchlan was able to recruit a competitive group of first-year players who matched that championship DNA she looks for. Rookie forward, Jessica Watts, made an immediate impact upon her arrival and finished fourth in scoring with seven goals, while teammate Sarah Steele deposited five.

"I think what surprised me most is how much they stepped up right off the bat," she said. "The Atlantic university league is a different level from high school and the rookies have all met the challenge head-on." 

It didn't take long for the Panthers to prove they're ready to defend their title, as they battled their way to a 3-0-2 record in the league's opening tournament at St. FX. UPEI one-upped their performance earlier this month when they hosted the season's second tournament and went a perfect 4-0, to earn their second consecutive undefeated campaign at 7-0-2. 

Sear was the driving force of the Panthers' top-ranked offence, as she led the league in scoring with 16 goals. But it's her leadership and positive spirit that's been the team's greatest asset. 

"All the women on this team are strong players and it's exactly what we needed," Sear said. "This is a special group and I couldn't ask for a better way to end my final year here at UPEI," Sear said.  

It's rare to see a young team like this come together so quickly, but like many, it caught MacLauchlan by surprise.

"To be honest, I don't think we foresaw being the No. 1 seed heading into the final weekend," MacLauchlan said. "Although we were optimistic, there's always a bit of uncertainty with what the other teams are doing." 

With the final set of games quickly approaching, the Panthers are using past experience and youthful energy to their advantage, as they look to hoist that trophy once again. 

"We know the amount of works it take to win a championship," Sear said. "It's no walk in the park, but we have a strong group and I think if we work as a team and continue to capitalize on every chance we get, we have a good shot."