UVic’s six-year national field hockey reign ends in a 1-0 loss to York Lions. A bittersweet finish for the Vikes and star defender Libby Hogg.
UVic’s Title Hopes Dashed in Final Moments
It was heartbreak on the turf for the University of Victoria Vikes women’s field hockey team. After six straight national titles, their chase for a seventh came to a dramatic end on November 2 in Charlottetown, PEI. The Canada West champions fell 1-0 to the York Lions in a tense U Sports national championship final that went down to the wire.
A Tournament of Triumphs and One Costly Goal
The Vikes had looked unstoppable through the round-robin stage. They opened with a gritty 0-0 draw against York, then found their rhythm with back-to-back shutout wins — 3-0 over Dalhousie and 4-0 against the University of Prince Edward Island.
But in the championship match, fate had other plans. With just three minutes left on the clock, York’s Juliet Redelaar found the back of the net, slipping a decisive shot past UVic goalkeeper Anais Chace. It was the only goal the Vikes allowed all tournament — a cruel twist after such dominant play.
A Legacy Written in Gold and Grit
While the loss stung, it didn’t dull the shine of what the Vikes have built. Fifth-year defender Libby Hogg, an Oak Bay High alum, capped her remarkable university career with yet another honor — being named U Sports Liz Hoffman Player of the Year.
Hogg’s stats tell a story of excellence: five Canada West championships, four U Sports national titles, five conference all-star selections, and three all-Canadian nods. She also led the league this season with 10 points, proving that her leadership and consistency set the gold standard for the Vikes program.
Stars Still Shining Bright
Hogg wasn’t alone in earning recognition. Teammates Julia Boraston and Maeve Connorton also received national honors, with Boraston joining Hogg as a tournament all-star and Connorton named an all-Canadian.
A Bittersweet Goodbye — and a New Chapter Ahead
For UVic, this loss isn’t the end — it’s a reminder of how fine the margins are at the top. The Vikes’ run of dominance may have paused, but their hunger hasn’t faded. With a core of rising talent and a legacy of champions to build on, there’s every reason to believe they’ll be back — stronger, faster, and ready for redemption.
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