Smoky Hill field hockey turning snapped losing streak into positive momentum

How long is too long for a losing streak? Is it two to three games? Four to five? Some people might say a “normal” losing streak extends two to three games, and an “abnormal” one eclipses four to five.

There really is no word for a six-year losing streak, probably because you wouldn’t even believe it could happen.

Such a streak nearly came to life, though, for Smoky Hill’s field hockey program. Before Sept. 6, the program had lost its previous 74 games, a streak that dated back to Oct. 8, 2016, and tied once.

No one could fault the Buffaloes if they thought 2022 might be different with a new head coach — Lisa Griffiths — at the helm and a few returning players. But they lost their first five games. None of the losses — at least in the box score — were particularly close.

The Buffaloes’ season changed, however, when Smoky Hill sophomore Darian Smith’s third-quarter goal helped seal a 1-0 victory over Poudre School District on Sept. 6.

The team, completely aware of its near six-year losing streak, predictably mobbed one another and jumped with joy after the final horn.

“It was incredible,” said senior and Smoky Hill co-captain Brooklyn McIlroy. “It was really surreal, actually. I didn’t believe it would be possible after so long, but when we were able to get the team together and accomplish a goal we’ve had — it’s an amazing feeling.”

McIlroy is far too familiar with the seasons-long streak. She was a freshman when Smoky Hill lost 15 games in 2019 and eight and 14 in her sophomore and junior seasons, respectively. Her sister, Haley, endured four straight winless seasons and played two of them next to Brooklyn.

Despite the streak, Brooklyn said she wasn’t feeling any pressure to win a game in her final season. She attributes that to Smoky Hill head field hockey coach Lisa Griffiths, whose fundamental and fun first approach allows the team to be themselves.

“I think (our win against Poudre) was definitely due to our head coach Lisa Griffiths helping us out and really pushing us to be the best that we possibly could be,” Brooklyn said. “She believes in us.”

Griffiths started playing field hockey as a 15 year old in Australia. She played the sport competitively until 2013 when she moved to San Diego and was named head coach at Clairmont and La Jolla high schools.

Griffiths spent the next four seasons piloting both programs. Clairmont won 11 games in its first two seasons under Griffiths after winning just twice in two seasons before she took over.

Meanwhile, La Jolla finished the 2012 season 5-10, but in 2013, La Jolla’s first year with Griffiths as head coach, the program tripled its win total and had two more winnings seasons after that.

After spending last season with Cherry Creek, Griffiths applied for the head coaching position at Smoky Hill.

“She’s definitely helped us realize that we could win a game and that we have potential,” Brooklyn said. “We just have to put in the work and push through the struggles that we’re having. She taught us how to play our own game.”

Griffiths’ emphasis on strong fundamentals, communication and enjoyment of the sport helped Smoky Hill secure a second win — a 2-0 decision over Grandview — almost two weeks after their win over Poudre. Junior Mollie Keating and senior Isabella Garvis each scored for Smoky Hill. Co-captain Meghan Bird picked up 12 saves; as of Tuesday, she ranks second in the U.S. with 184 saves.

Sophomores Elyse Bailey and Smith have both scored once for Smoky Hill while embracing leadership roles on the field.

“They’re just reslisient,” Griffiths said. “These girls don’t give up. That’s unique to all the programs I’ve coached, and there’s no animosity between anyone on the team. They all just get along really well.”

Griffiths didn’t enter the season thinking about playoffs, preferring the program focus on improvement and growth. But Smoky Hill, after its years of winless seasons, is flirting with a playoff berth.

Twelve teams are set to make the playoff field, and the Buffaloes are at No. 12 in CHSAA’s 5A field hockey RPI rankings as of Wednesday.