The Cardinal Gibbons field hockey team won their third straight state championship against Marvin Ridge last Saturday, Nov. 1. 

The Crusaders beat the Mavericks 2-1 as sophomore Kacy Buckel and senior Molly Nussbaumer each scored a goal in the contest. With this win, coach Carlos Melendez claims his second N.C. Field Hockey Coaches Association title as Gibbons head coach.

The Gibbons field hockey team is quickly gaining recognition around the country, with three state titles in three years. 

The Crusaders’ first state championship came in 2023, setting the stage for future dominance. That year, coach Kelly Weimer had led her field hockey team to her first state title in her coaching career, which also happened to be the first in school history. 

Coach Carlos Melendez and Weimer swapped roles after that season and have now led the Crusaders to two consecutive state titles.

Going forward, Gibbons field hockey has one clear objective: to build off what they have started. 

With junior Chloe Todd, last year’s leading scorer, and Buckel both set to return, the Crusaders have the star power to build on their success next season. This team will be faced with the pressures and expectations of clinching a potential fourth straight title, but there is every reason to believe they can chase another trophy.

The team will be losing seniors including Nussbaumer, a UNC recruit, and Adriana Ensani, a Duke recruit.