UPDATE: The Tam High School Hawks have made history by capturing their first-ever MCAL field hockey championship, defeating Redwood High School in a nail-biting shootout on October 31, 2025. The final score was 2-1 after a grueling match in Mill Valley, California, that saw no goals scored in regulation or overtime.
This thrilling victory marks a significant milestone for Tam, as they clinched their first MCAL title in school history. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric as both teams battled fiercely for the championship.
Despite being outshot 11-2 in regulation, Tam’s sophomore goalkeeper Sierra Duncan emerged as the star of the night, saving four of five shots during the decisive shootout. “I’ve never done a 1-v-1 before in my life,” Duncan admitted. “But I was ready for anything.” Her outstanding performance kept the Hawks in contention until the very end.
The match remained scoreless after 60 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods, leading to a best-of-five shootout. The tension mounted as neither team could find the back of the net in the initial attempts. However, Tam’s Josie Stout broke the deadlock by scoring first against Redwood’s goalkeeper Meredith Levine.
Redwood’s Moni Hewlette managed to equalize with her shot, but Tam’s Veronica Ray quickly regained the lead by successfully converting her opportunity. As the shootout progressed, Duncan’s critical saves thwarted Redwood’s attempts, culminating in a moment of jubilation for the Hawks when the final shot from Nina Baker rolled wide of the goal.
“I knew our goalkeeper was the best, so I knew we had a chance to win this game,” Ray said after the match, her voice filled with pride.
Redwood, the defending champions and top-seeded team, entered the match with confidence, having defeated Tam twice earlier in the season. However, the Hawks were determined to change the narrative, and they did just that under the pressure of the championship.
Throughout the game, Redwood dominated possession and showcased their aggressive style, but Tam’s defense, led by captain Quinlin Dayton, held strong against the relentless attacks. Duncan’s remarkable saves kept the game alive, allowing her team to find their rhythm in the shootout.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Tam players embraced each other in celebration, holding their championship pennant aloft. This victory not only signifies a historical achievement for Tam but also resonates deeply with the community, inspiring young athletes and supporters alike.
Looking ahead, Tam’s win sets the stage for their next challenges as they aim to build on this momentum. Fans and players alike are eager to see how this championship win will propel the Hawks into future competitions.
This unforgettable showdown not only showcased the talent of both teams but also highlighted the spirit of competition in high school sports. With the MCAL title now secured, Tam has cemented its place in local sports history.
