The Thomas Worthington field hockey team was prepared for its state title match with Shaker Heights Saturday. The Cardinals had won the last two OHSAA championship contests and been the runner-up the year before that. They had faced their closest rival, Upper Arlington, in the semi-finals and come away with a 2-0 win.

The previous two championships had been hard-fought with both decided by a Sophia Borghese goal in overtime. This title match would be much easier as the Cardinals beat the Raiders 5-0, facing only one shot on goal. Borghese noted that this time around was much less tense. “It was a lot of fun,” said the junior. “Everyone on the bench got in and the seniors were all in at the five-minute mark.”

Borghese scored three goals on the afternoon at Thomas Worthington High School, with senior Casey Rowan adding two. Juniors Meredith Estepp and Jaidyn Gussler recorded assists for the Cardinals.

New to the team this year was freshman Peyton Frost, daughter of the Cardinals’ legendary head coach, Terri Simonetti Frost. Mother placed the championship medal around her daughter’s neck. “It is one of the most special moments anyone could ever ask for. I feel incredibly blessed that she’s playing for me,” said the coach. “It’s just really an incredible experience with her on the field this year.”

Thomas Worthington has now won nine state championships. It was the second time that the Cardinals have captured three straight titles, the previous coming from 2015 to 2017, and the first time that a team had appeared in the finals four consecutive seasons.

Can they win it all again a year from now? Borghese said she hoped so, but the returners would have to improve. “We’re losing a lot of seniors this year. I love them so much. I don’t even know what to do without them.”