On Sunday, the dream became a reality as the #2 Deerfield girls’ varsity hockey team shut out #5 Tabor Academy to secure their place as 2025 NEPSAC Large School Champions! After taking down #6 Kent in a tight 3-2 game that had extended into overtime, Deerfield advanced to face Tabor on Sunday at Taft School. Tabor had bested #1 seed Thayer just a day earlier.
It was a thrilling battle of the goalies. Big Green senior co-captain Campbell Krotee met Seawolves senior Avery Olson. Both goaltenders were exceptional, making impressive, clutch saves throughout the game. After a scoreless first period, Deerfield senior defender and co-captain Allie Corrieri capitalized on a power play, receiving a pass from Keira Austen ‘26 and sending the puck to the back of the net to give Deerfield a 1-0 lead with 16 minutes left in the second period.
The intensity remained high as both teams applied pressure. The beginning of the third period posed a challenge for Big Green who found themselves down 3-on-5 for almost two minutes due to a pair of penalties. Deerfield showed remarkable skill and determination, successfully defending off Tabor until their teammates could rejoin the action. Krotee was outstanding in goal, stopping every shot and displaying astonishing poise under pressure. Her ability to attack the puck and make huge saves was a key factor in preserving the shutout. With less than 10 seconds left in the game, Chloe Cleaves ‘26 gathered the puck in the neutral zone and sent it straight into the empty Tabor net for a final goal to seal the victory.
This win marked the program’s first championship in over 20 years. While they have come close in the last few years, the girls’ last championship was back in 2001. Despite last year’s graduation of key players, including leading goal scorer Annie Dinges ‘24, the returning team dug deep, trusting each other and their ability to secure the title. The entire Deerfield community is very proud of these athletes and all their hard work!
Congratulations Deerfield girls’ varsity hockey on becoming the 2025 NEPSAC Girls’ Ice Hockey Tournament Champions!