Berg, Regis Jesuit field hockey embark on quest for three-peat
It seems to have become customary for Regis Jesuit to appear in the field hockey state championship game every fall. After all, the Raiders have appeared in each of the last four title games, winning three of them.
While offensive threats like Katie Loftus and Cate Lord were key to Regis’ success in the past, last season was all about goalie Mary Kate Berg, who allowed only five goals on 83 shots faced all season. Berg finished the season with 14 shutouts, including three in the postseason.
When asked about her spectacular junior season, all Berg had to say is that it was, “Super cool,” crediting her success to longtime Regis Jesuit head coach Spencer Wagner.
Wagner, who is entering his 13th season as the Raiders’ head coach, spent time with the United States Junior National Team during his playing career in the early 2000s while attending Cheyenne Mountain High School before transitioning to a career in coaching.
It may be a different look this season for the Raiders, who graduated their top-three leaders in both goals and assists from a season ago. But the team is still focused on more than just wins and losses.
Berg, who had the lowest GAA among goalies in the state last season (.278), believes that the bond that this year’s team shares haven’t been as strong in previous seasons. The Raiders share the belief to, “Not just be a win team, but to be better people and women.”
The Raiders found themselves on top of the CHSAANow preseason poll, will begin their season on Saturday morning at Palmer Ridge. Their championship defense includes two state championship rematches against Colorado Academy on Sept.17 and in the regular season finale on Oct. 19. Other key matchups include an Oct. 8 date with Cherry Creek, whom the Raiders knocked off to win the championship in the spring of 2021, as well as a Sept. 8 matchup with Arapahoe, whom Regis topped in last year’s semifinals.
Besides trying to anchor her team’s state championship defense, Berg is also focused on growing the sport in the state as she prepares for her final high school season.
“Field hockey is getting bigger in Colorado,” Berg said. “I’d love to see it get even bigger and have more of an audience.”
