VICTORIA – The sky parted ways, and the sun came out on Saturday, November 5, as the University of Victoria captured their fourth consecutive U SPORTS Women's Field Hockey National Championship in a 2-0 series sweep over the York University Lions.
[FULL GAME RECAP]
While storybook endings are few and far between, that's exactly what happened for
Lynne Beecroft (Buzz), who caps off an incredible 39-year coaching career by leading the program to its 15th national title, all of which came under her leadership.
Of all Beecroft's many remarkable career statistics, this one might be the most remarkable:
Beecroft, who will officially retire in January, becomes one of the few Hall-of-Fame coaches in U SPORTS history to have gone out on top, with a McCrae Cup victory in her final game, with a storied sunset beckoning, with no more worlds to conquer.
"This feels very special because I knew it was my last year, so it's a great way to finish. I started my coaching career winning a championship with Nancy Mollenhauer (Charlton) in 1984, and now I'm ending my coaching career winning a championship with
Anna Mollenhauer—it's a perfect ending," said Beecroft.
Going into the game, knowing it might be her last, Beecroft didn't have anything extraordinary to tell the team, but she did tell them to follow their compass (a theme for the year), to play from the heart and to have fun. She knew that if they did that and played like they always have, they would come out on top.
The historic win also marks the final time that U SPORTS Player of the Year
Anna Mollenhauer will dawn a Vikes uniform. A picture-perfect end to her Vikes career, Mollenhauer was named tournament MVP. Her goal, which came off a penalty corner in the first minute of the game, ended up being key in the 2-1 win over York.
"Honestly, it's kind of surreal. It's hard to put into words the emotions I'm feeling right now—I don't think that it's really hit me yet. It feels amazing to be able to help Buzz finish her career by winning a championship at home. This is such a great team and group of girls who are all like sisters to me, it's special," said Mollenhauer.
"Not many people get the experience of sharing the same university coach with their mom, so I think that makes this extra special. Buzz is a legend; it's hard to believe she is retiring."
With Mollenhauer on the field, it's hard not to have complete confidence in the Vikes defense, and ultimately their ability to win games. Despite her soft spoken nature, her presence is felt by everyone; from the opposing team to those watching in the stands, her presence will be greatly missed next season.
"Anna's contributions to this program are immeasurable; what you see is what she does on the pitch but what she does off the pitch is just as impressive. She'll be a massive loss, that's for sure, but what a way to go out," said
Krista Thompson, Vikes assistant coach of 26 seasons.
The last dance
For Mollenhauer,
Judy Cristante,
Georgia Booker,
Erin Dawson,
Cara Butler and
Stefanie Sajko, it is an idyllic end to their Vikes careers, who all graduate as four-time U SPORTS champions.
The tears came quickly for some—including Booker, who returned for a sixth year after losing a year to COVID.
"I'm just so happy right now, I love this team; we're a family. It hasn't really sunk in that this was my last game, but I can't imagine a better way to finish."
For Cristante, named finals Player of the Game— it was all smiles as she hugged her mom, former Vike Kolette Cristante.
"It's a pretty magical feeling, you know we're just one big family, and I think that's why we are so successful as a team. I'm just so appreciative of our coach Buzz and going out with a bang for her final year with the Vikes," said Cristante.
"Buzz coached my mom, so she impacted my life before I was even a Vike. She's a wonderful person; she teaches you life lessons, not just about hockey, but how to be a good person on and off the pitch."
While the program may be down a couple of legends, the dynasty that is UVic women's field hockey will certainly continue on their hunt for a 16th McCrae Cup next year.
Buzz, Stephnie Sajko, Erin Dawson, Georgia Booker, Cara Butler, Anna Mollenhauer, Judy Cristante and Krista Thompson