GREENWOOD VILLAGE | The Smoky Hill field hockey team’s unbeaten streak came to an end Monday at the most inopportune time, the start of the state playoffs.
The Buffaloes — seeded eighth among the 16 teams in the state tournament field — came into their first round matchup against No. 9 St. Mary’s Academy at Stutler Bowl on an 8-0-1 streak that kept them out of the loss column since way back in early September.
Coach Lisa Griffiths’ Smoky Hill team fell behind just 2 minutes, 23 seconds, into the playoff contest against St. Mary’s Academy, which capitalized on a penalty corner chance and held off the Buffaloes for a 1-0 victory to advance to the championship quarterfinals.
Both teams will play again thanks to the new postseason adopted by the Colorado High School Activities Association this season.
While St. Mary’s Academy (6-8-2) moves on in the championship bracket to take on the winner of Tuesday’s contest between No. 1 Colorado Academy and No. 16 Grandview, Smoky Hill moves into the consolation bracket. The Buffaloes (9-6-1) will play the loser of the same game and can now focus on trying to win the consolation title.
In the opening round matchup, the Wildcats were awarded a penalty corner just over two minutes into the first quarter and Smoky Hill junior goalie Riley Leeser was able to make a save on an initial shot by Lauren Messerle. The rebound caromed out to Elena Russell, who was able to put it into the back of the cage.
The Buffaloes were unable to score, as they were shut out for the first time since Sept. 9, when they suffered their last loss in a 2-0 defeat against Regis Jesuit.
Courtney Oakes is Aurora Sentinel Sports Editor. Reach him at sports@aurorasentinel.com. Twitter/X: @aurorasports. IG: Sentinel Prep Sports
