GFS Varsity Field Hockey has raced out of the gates this fall, opening the regular season 2-0 while adding a preseason victory that offered an early glimpse of what could be ahead for the Tigers.
The first statement came before the games officially counted. On August 28, GFS traveled down School House Ln. to Penn Charter for a preseason scrimmage and came away with a 2-1 victory, the program’s first win over the Quakers since 2013. While the result won’t appear in the Tigers’ official record, winning on the road against a team they had not beaten in more than a decade provided an early boost heading into the regular season.
Five days later, the Tigers made some history of their own.
GFS welcomed Lansdale Catholic to the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the program’s first official game at its new home. The Tigers made sure the occasion ended with a win, prevailing 5-4 in a hard fought contest.
Sophomore Kate Mulgrew ’29 (pictured below) led the attack with two goals and two assists, including the game-winner with just 90 seconds remaining. Senior captain Lexi Ablin ’27, along with Grace Chaisson ’28 and Maddie Chen ’28, each added a goal as GFS secured the first victory on its new turf.
Kate Mulgrew's last minute game winning shot against Lansdale Catholic.
Following the game, players signed a field hockey stick commemorating the milestone, which will be displayed on campus as a reminder of the first game, and first win, at the program’s new home.
The Tigers kept rolling on Tuesday, improving to 2-0 with a convincing 5-1 victory over Conwell-Egan. Kate Mulgrew '29 (3x), Lucy Garrido '27, and Lexi Ablin '27 helped power an attack that has now produced 10 goals through two regular-season games.
For Head Coach Rachel Steinman (pictured above), the early results have come alongside something equally noticeable: a group playing with energy, focus, and genuine belief in one another. Inside each huddle, the team chemistry is palpable, with strong leadership from the captains helping the entire squad embrace its season motto: “All gas, no brakes.”
Senior captain Rachel Cornejo ’27 (pictured below) points to that chemistry as a major part of the Tigers’ fast start. “Everyone supports each other, and our teamwork and positivity is the best it’s ever been,” Cornejo said. “It’s made this season fun and helps us bring the energy every day.”
A new home closer to campus may be helping, too. After previously making the longer commute to The Proving Grounds for practices and games, the Tigers are now just minutes away at the Kroc Center.
“Being so close to campus, it’s easier to keep our focus,” Cornejo said. “No one is napping on the bus this season.”
It may still be early, but through two wins that count, and one meaningful victory that doesn’t, the Tigers have given themselves plenty to be excited about.
For now, there’s only one direction to go: full speed ahead.