The Mavericks open up on Friday afternoon with Villa Maria Academy (PA) who is ranked #2 nationally. They will also play Garrison Forest (MD) a top team in that region and Conestoga High School (PA), the 11th-ranked team in the country. The Mavericks are ranked #3 in the recent Max Field Hockey National poll. 

“The tournament is definitely a pivotal part of our season!,” said Head Coach Emily White, in her first season at the helm of the hockey program. “It’s a great chance for us to play top competition from across the country as well as showcase our talents on the national level.” 

 

“I am most looking forward to playing such amazing competition,” said co-captain Chloe West ’25. “While I do think we play some great teams down here, it’s rare to play different ones that play with different tactics and methods.”

 

Teams are invited based on their national and regional ranking. St. John’s has held their own since being part of the inaugural event in 2019. They have been invited to each of the invitationals since (2020 was canceled due to Covid). The Mavs boast an overall record of 7-6 including a win over the #1 ranked team in the country. 

 

“The girls have been prepping every day at practice with high-intensity drills and live play,” said White. “We like to try and play full-field, intrasquad scrimmages whenever possible, and we just had a really competitive game against Kinkaid that has helped us prepare as well.”

 

The Mavericks are 4-0 in Texas and have not been scored on. They recently defeated Kinkaid, then the pre-season #2 ranked team in the country.

 

“I enjoy this event because it is the only tournament besides SPC that our school team does for school and not club,” said co-captain Eliza Perrin ’25. “It is a different environment and it is super fun! It is an event of the best high schools from around the country.”  

 

“I love this event for the tough competition and the team bonding,” added Perrin. “The extra time together, not in a school setting is super beneficial for team chemistry.” 

 

The Mavericks have yet to sweep their competition at this marquee national high school event. They face the challenge of playing top-ranked local teams residing less than 30 minutes away plus a strong team from just down the road in Baltimore. The Mavs fly in on Thursday night and will call on their chemistry and preparation to perform at their best. They are ready to meet the challenge.

 

“I am looking forward to watching our team grow over the weekend as we face incredibly talented teams from around the country,” said co-captain Ellie Burger ’25. “Every game will be a challenge and I cannot wait to see how our team pushes ourselves and faces true adversity.” 

Sam Chambers- Athletic News