Evanston Field Hockey Advances to State Final Four

The team secured a 2-1 sectional championship victory to move on to the state semifinals.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a field hockey player in mid-swing during an intense match. — Evanston Township High School secured a 2-1 victory over Glenbrook North to claim the Antioch Sectional championship and advance to the state semifinals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Evanston Township High School defeated Glenbrook North High School 2-1 to win the Antioch Sectional championship. This victory propels the team into the state Final Four, marking only the second time in school history they have reached this stage.

Why it matters

The win marks a historic season for Evanston, which has set a new school record for single-season victories behind an eight-game winning streak. The team now prepares for a high-stakes state semifinal matchup against New Trier.

Goalie Maya Samaris anchored the defensive effort with eight saves during the championship match. Evanston enters the semifinals with a 16-6 overall record and an active eight-game winning streak.

The players

Evanston Township High School

The educational institution in Evanston that has achieved a program-best 16 wins this season.

Maya Samaris

The goalkeeper for Evanston who recorded eight saves during the sectional championship victory.

New Trier

The upcoming state semifinal opponent that holds 18 state field hockey titles.

The details

Lulu Carnahan and Amelie Kaulas provided the scoring for Evanston during the first half of the match. Kaulas netted the deciding goal as the clock expired to seal the win during a scramble in front of the cage.

October 24, 2026: Evanston defeated Glenbrook North in the sectional championship.
October 29, 2026: Evanston faces New Trier in the state semifinal.
October 31, 2026: The third-place and championship games take place at Glenbrook North High School.

Season Trajectory

This win marks Evanston's second appearance in the Illinois state field hockey Final Four in school history. The team must now face New Trier, a program that has historically dominated the sport with 18 state titles.

Evanston will advance to play New Trier in the state semifinal on October 29. The winner of that contest will move on to the state championship game on October 31.

The takeaway

Evanston continues a record-breaking season by securing a spot in the state semifinals. Fans can look forward to the state final matches scheduled to conclude at the end of the month.