It was a moment of pure triumph that no one in the University of Vermont’s field hockey program will ever forget. After years of pushing for greatness, this November the Catamounts made history by winning their first-ever America East Championship, earning a place in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.

The road to the title was nothing short of dramatic. In the semifinals, Vermont took on the #1 seed UAlbany Great Danes—a powerhouse that had dominated the conference all season. It was an intense battle that tested every ounce of Vermont’s strength, but they held their ground. Goalkeeper Merle Vaandrager was a brick wall in the cage, earning two shutouts during the tournament, adding to her six shutouts on the season, leading every goalie in the America East Conference.  Her six shutouts tied a program record, and her semifinal performance was crucial as UVM held UAlbany to zero goals, securing their place in the conference championship game.

“This is one gritty team. To give up only three shots on goal and secure a shutout against UAlbany in a semifinal was no small feat,” said Head Coach Kate Pfeifer. “I’m so proud of the way they battled, executed our game plan, and got it done.”

The America East final saw Vermont go head-to-head against second-seeded New Hampshire in a battle that tested their heart and resolve. Things didn’t look good. Down 2-0 at halftime, the Catamounts found themselves staring down an uphill battle. It was only the second time in a month they had given up more than one goal, and the first half felt like it might just slip away. But this team had something different. They had grit and belief.

Vermont wasn’t going to let their season end without a fight. As the second half began, the Catamounts roared back to life. In just 12 minutes, they scored three goals, overturning the deficit in a stunning display of determination. Meg Weyer, a player who had worked tirelessly all season, scored the first multi-goal game of her career, including the game-winner in the 46th minute. The comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as it set the tone for future UVM field hockey teams to look up to for years to come.

“I just had full faith in the team that they could rise to the moment, and I think that’s what they have done all tournament,” said Head Coach Kate Pfeifer following the championship win. “They have risen to the occasion and not lost belief in themselves just because it’s a top-ranked opponent or an opponent we have lost to before. We have been able to really face it and execute when it matters.”

Throughout the tournament, the Catamounts showed exactly why they were worthy of their title. They entered the championship match ranked in the nation’s top 20 in numerous categories: shutouts per game (7th), goals per game (17th), scoring margin (18th), and defensive saves (19th). But it wasn’t just their stats that spoke to their power—it was their will to win.

On offense, first-year Marie Dijkstra led the charge with 29 points (11 goals, 7 assists), finishing the season as the team’s top scorer. Junior Sophia Lefranc was instrumental, contributing eight goals and four assists, including three total goals in the first two playoff games, and let’s not forget the legacy of Sophia Drees, who finished her career as the program’s all-time leader in assists, with eight on the season and a total of 74 career points.

This victory wasn’t just about scoring goals or racking up stats—it was about something deeper. It was about believing. Vermont wasn’t just playing for a championship; they were playing for their place in history. Every player, every coach, and every fan knew that this was a moment of destiny. From being underdogs to being crowned champions, the Catamounts had proven that they belonged among the nation’s elite.

More March Madness

UVM’s women’s basketball team headed back to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in the last three years after defeating top-seed UAlbany in the conference title game on March 14, capturing its eighth America East championship in program history.

The Catamounts, who won nine of their last 10 games in the regular season, faced No. 2 North Carolina State in the first round in Raleigh, N.C. on March 22. In a game broadcast live on ESPN, the Wolfpack of N.C. State bested the Catamounts, 75-55.

“We really felt like we played really well for three quarters,” said Mayer Women’s Head Coach Alisa Kresge. “We lost some momentum in the fourth, and we made some errors defensively and, of course, N.C. State and their outstanding team capitalized off of that and really made that push at the end…. I think our play today really spoke volumes about our program and where we’re at. I couldn’t be prouder of this group, just showing so much fight and poise in an incredible environment. It was outstanding and this is what it’s all about.”