MULLICA HILL, N.J. — In 2021, the South Jersey Field Hockey League (SJFHL) created an “elite” division and requested that towns enter a team if they felt they could compete at a high level. There was no doubt the Clearview Youth Field Hockey 7/8s had a team that could compete.

The coaches always knew this would be a special team. Most of the girls have been playing field hockey since the third grade and several have continued year round training with local club teams. It was not their talent, however, that made this group special. It was their commitment to the team and unselfish play that created a “we” over “me” mentality. This gave them the advantage every time they stepped on the field.

The team rolled through the regular season and entered the playoffs with a perfect 8-0 record, scoring 44 goals and giving up only 3.

The playoff wins came against a Haddon Township team with a similar passing game (3-0 win) and a Pittsgrove team that was coming off a very big playoff victory (8-2 win).

The championship game against West Deptford showcased two very strong teams and was a nail biter! The first goal of the game was scored by left forward Marley Dutch on a beautiful pass from midfielder Lauren Iaccio. The game winning goal came on a penalty corner where Addison McConnell inserted the ball to Ella Gandy who lifted the ball over the defense and goal keeper into the back of the cage.

West Depford pressured intensely during the last 10 minutes but the Clearview defense, lead by goal keeper Marissa Buck, proved to be too much to overcome. Clearview won the game 2-1 and was crowned the first ever SJFH Elite Division Champions.

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