It is clear that history doesn’t always repeat itself. For the first time ever, a Ladue varsity field hockey team defeated John Burroughs Sep. 19 by a score of 3-1.

Ladue led the game 1-0 at the end of the first half and added to their lead in the second half to make the score 2-0. However, after Burroughs scored on a breakaway to draw within one goal, most of the rest of the game was a tense, hard-fought struggle between the two teams. The outcome was only certain when Ladue scored with 46 seconds left in the game to put the game out of reach.

Ladue played a particularly strong defensive game. Senior Grace Waldman stopped a sure goal on an aerial shot and junior goalie Emma Barg stopped a Burroughs penalty shot. Ladue also prevented Burroughs from scoring despite two penalties that left the team down a player each time. Coach Barbara Dwyer was happy with her team’s win.

“I hope this will cause a difference in the course of the season,” Dwyer said. “It should definitely improve our seed for the Midwest Tournament as John Burroughs is usually in the top eight. It also should give the team confidence that they can compete with any team.”

Ladue has two key games against Public School League rivals Lafayette and Marquette fast approaching (Sep. 27 and Oct. 7 respectively). However, a game against MICDS Oct. 2 might be even more important.

“That day, we are Playing 4 the Cure,” Dwyer said. “Two of our parents have cancer and we plan to dedicate the game to them and the many relatives and friends of players and coaches who are dealing with cancer. We are selling pink shirts which the players will wear for that game and we hope our fans dress in pink as well. Donations will be taken at the game and all proceeds will go to the National Foundation for Cancer Research.”