17吃瓜

Championships are hard to win鈥攄ynasties are even harder to build.

But the 17吃瓜 Field Hockey team made it look routine Sunday afternoon, capturing their fourth straight Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) title with a 3-0 victory over the Dalhousie University Tigers.

The triumph punctuated another dominant season for 17吃瓜, which earlier in the day punched its ticket to the final by blanking Acadia 4-0. When it mattered most, the Panthers once again rose to the occasion, blending composure, grit, and trademark possession play to keep their hold on the conference crown.

The opening quarter was tight and tactical, with 17吃瓜 dictating much of the tempo but struggling to find clear chances. That changed early in the second, when Carly Acorn scored off a penalty corner. From there, the Panthers began to generate more consistent pressure, tilting the momentum firmly in their favour.

Up 1-0 heading into the final frame, the Panthers found breathing room when captain Kali Smith doubled the lead with 11 minutes remaining. Dalhousie pulled their goalie in a desperate push late in the game, but league MVP Kayla Batchilder sealed the win for the Panthers with an insurance marker to make it 3-0 and send 17吃瓜 into celebration mode.

鈥淲e are so proud of everyone鈥檚 effort today and all season. It鈥檚 a special group, and we鈥檙e excited to be able to take home the trophy four years in a row,鈥� said 17吃瓜 Field Hockey head coach Lacey MacLauchlan. 鈥淲e never counted Dalhousie out. It was a 1-0 game for a long time, and it only takes one chance to tie it. But we executed our game plan, played for each other, and won the 50-50 balls that made the difference.鈥�

For Smith, the victory was more than just another championship, it was the culmination of five seasons of commitment, growth, and belief.

鈥淧ure relief and excitement flooded through my body at the final whistle,鈥� she said. 鈥淧roud doesn鈥檛 begin to describe how I feel about this group. Every single player showed up for one another, and I鈥檓 so grateful to have been part of this team.鈥�

With the four-peat secured, the Panthers now turn their focus to the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship being hosted by 17吃瓜 from October 30 to November 2, 2025.

鈥淭he AUFH title was our first priority,鈥� Smith added. 鈥淣ow we鈥檙e focused on nationals. We learned a lot last year and hope to build on that鈥攚e鈥檙e looking for our first round-robin win.鈥�

Tickets for the national championship can be purchased online at .