Delaware Valley celebrated the field hockey team seniors ahead of its division game versus South Hunterdon on Oct. 20.

There was obvious tension in the air, as the last time the two teams played one another, Del Val scored with 20 seconds left in the game. This led to a 1-0 win for Del Val. Spirits were radiating off of each and every girl, not only because they knew what a big game this was, but because they wanted to make the six seniors proud.

The game started with through the roof energy, as the stands were filled with family, friends and teachers. There was no doubt that Del Val came out with a bang in the first quarter; the score was 1-0, goal scored by Abby Eckert on a corner.

In the second quarter, South Hunterdon scored, making the score 1-1. Toward the end of the same quarter, Grace Prouty was tasked with shooting a penalty shot and succeeded, making the score 2-1 going into halftime.

Del Val’s energy was still strong. In the third quarter, another goal was scored by South, leading to a tied game going into the fourth. As these teams were so well matched, the fourth quarter was a back and forth between the two and nobody scored. The game then went into overtime.

Overtime in field hockey is a 7 vs. 7 game that is played with 10 minutes on the clock. This is physically demanding on the girls since they are four players down. After a well fought game, South Hunterdon scored, ending with a loss for Del Val.

The loss doesn’t show the immense tenacity and determination that Del Val put in.

“It was a really tough game, and there was a lot of pressure going into it,” senior Olivia Cardenas said. “The ending was disappointing, but we still managed to play together as a team and we gave 112% of what we had.”