Field Hockey Team Just One Success This Fall for Watertown High School's Sports Program

Watertown High School’s field hockey team is on quite a roll, finishing an undefeated season and clinching its fourth straight state title and extended its unbeaten streak to 92 games. Athletic Director Michael Lahiff told the School Committee that the team is just one of the bright spots for the WHS sports program this fall.

On Tuesday, the School Committee recognized the players and coaches of the Raiders field hockey squad for their latest title, handing all members a certificate.

While the field hockey titles seem to be routine, Lahiff said this is not typical for most communities.

“These things don’t just happen,” Lahiff said. “Three straight titles is great, but back to back to back to back is even better.”

Field hockey coach Eileen Dononhue said her team worked very hard this year to earn the Div. 2 State Championship, which the clinched with a 1-0 victory over Oakmont in a game at Worcester State University.

“We lost a lot of people (from last year). Our two captains were wonderful  – Lauren Sutherland and Alyssa Carlson,” Donohue said. “They would not give up on this program. There was a lot of hard work. At the beginning of the season we said, this is overwhelming.”

Donohue said her team will be able to look back on this season with pride, and will join the other 12 state championship teams. She said winning a state championship is wonderful, but it should never be taken for granted

“Nothing is handed to you. When you win it is wonderful, and when people know what you went through to get there it is even more special,” Donohue said. “When you are in the hall of fame some day you can reflect with great pride.”

A Successful Fall

Many of the Watertown High School teams enjoyed good seasons this fall, Lahiff said. The cross country team sent runners to the state meet and the girls’ soccer team made the state tournament and lost in the first round.

The boys’ soccer team nearly brought home Watertown’s second state championship of the season, reaching the state final where the Raiders lost 2-1 to Sutton.

The football team had a winning season, too.

“The final event of the fall was a win for the football team on Thanksgiving,” Lahiff said, referring to the 28-7 win over Belmont, which ended a 7-year losing streak to the Marauders.