Asheville (22-2) goes for its first field hockey state championship today when Western North Carolina’s only public school program faces Chapel Hill. The match begins at noon at Wake Forest University’s Kentner Stadium.

“Of course, this is every coach’s dream,” Kaye said. “Just to see where this program has come from and hearing from all the past players has been special. Every time we step on the field, our players are taking on every challenge I give them.”

Collectively, the Cougars have a school-record 89 goals and 69 assists for the season. Four Asheville players have scored 10 or more goals: Elizabeth Keil (19), Elizabeth Gaston (12), Catherine Looper (11) and Caity Heath (10). Assist leaders include Kelly Olesiuk (14), Mallory Silver (13), Gaston (13) and Heath (12).

“No one at school really thought much about field hockey before, but since we’ve started winning, everybody is really excited,” Silver said. “We’re having a lot of fun. It’s just been an unbelievable season, and our team has such great chemistry.”

[CSN Comment:  Good luck Cougars!!!]