SEM field hockey 2024: A season to remember

by. Emily Thomas 2027

This past fall, The Buffalo Seminary Field Hockey team led by captains Anna Hays ‘25 and Lilli Rauch ‘25 had a tremendously impressive season, going 9-4 overall!

This season was special because the team travelled all the way to the Bronx, NY to compete in the New York State Association of Independent School’s field hockey playoffs. In order to qualify for states, the team had to show they could compete. This was achieved through their record, statistics from the season, and the level of competition they were playing in the league. Leaving on October 29th, they travelled on a bus for over 6 hours and had a team-bonding dinner to prepare for the playoff game the next day against Riverdale Country School. Coincidentally, this game was against Ms. Parker’s old school, which gave the team a little extra motivation. The next morning was the big game. The team played hard to secure the win 2-0! Both goals were scored by senior Lilli Rauch. This win was a huge deal, not only for the players, but for Buffalo Seminary athletics as a whole. Winning the game made SEM history, as this was the first time a SEM field hockey team had won a playoff game in all 100+ years of field hockey at SEM.

The following week, the team travelled back to play Rye Country Day School in the semifinals round. When leaving SEM, they were wished luck by many alumni and teachers. Having the support of the community behind them was very encouraging. For the game, the entire team put up a great fight through all four quarters, but they unfortunately fell short in the end. There were amazing memories made on these trips that all the players will cherish forever.

Part of the success this team had is due to their overall team chemistry, and shared love for the sport. On and off the field, the friendships created this season were exceptional. The team gathered for an end of season party to celebrate their success and get together one last time as a team before seniors Anna and Lilli graduate. This is definitely a season to remember.