The U15 girls’ final was truly a worthy end to the season. The hosts Servette HC and HC Olten faced each other in Geneva. The 200 loud spectators provided a great backdrop, with the Olten girls also bringing many fans with them to western Switzerland.

Servette HC got off to a furious start from the very first minute. Coach Thijs Spaink had set up his team very offensively and the Olten defense was under almost constant pressure. Geneva created five great chances in the first quarter and turned them into two goals, while HC Olten visibly struggled to get into the game. The 2:0 after fifteen minutes was highly deserved.

The second quarter began more evenly. Olten shot its first corner just centimeters wide of the goal. Then a huge chance for Servette when the ball was only stopped by a Geneva foot on its way into the goal! Olten were hardly able to cause the Servette defense any problems with the dribbling of their fast midfielders. The 2:0 lead was maintained at half-time.

Servette made a strong start to the second half and the score was 3:0 after just two minutes. Geneva had the game under control and took their foot off the gas pedal a little. Suddenly and somewhat unexpectedly, Olten reduced the deficit to 1:3, and just a minute later a clever corner variation made it 2:3. Olten had now finally regained their faith.

The fact that Servette had lost their composure was also evident right at the start of the final quarter when Olten equalized after a not at all compelling attack down the left. Ten minutes before the end, the game was tied in this high-class and now also mega-thrilling final!

Olten were of course on top, but Servette managed to shake off the shock of the equalizer and got stronger again. And the girls from Geneva actually managed to take the lead again at 4:3.

Shortly afterwards, Servette launched a great attack down the left-hand side. The ball, which was passed sharply in front of goal, was blocked high towards goal by the Geneva striker, but sailed just wide of the far post. This would certainly have been the most beautiful goal of the entire Final4 and probably also the decider. Instead, the last five minutes belonged almost exclusively to HC Olten, who forced several corners, among other things, all of which were played as delivery variations.

Servette wobbled and Olten came very close to equalizing, but Servette saved the 4:3 victory. There was huge jubilation among the many local fans at the final whistle, and among the Servette players anyway!

The championship title is a well-deserved reward for the many years of dedicated promotion of girls’ field hockey at Servette HC, which began with Daphne Post’s first Swiss Girls’ Academy – a concept that has since been copied by a whole host of Swiss clubs.

Congratulations also to the girls from Olten and their coach Adrian Berger, who played their part in this fascinating final! Most of the very young team will remain in the U15 age group for at least another year, so HC Olten is sure to be the hot favorite for the championship title next season.

It should not be forgotten that both teams were already severely challenged in the semi-finals and only prevailed in the shoot-out. In the first semi-final between Servette and Rotweiss Wettingen, no goals were scored in the regular game – the good organization of the Rotweiss defence was striking. Olten then trailed for a few minutes against the Züri Girls, but managed to tie the game 1:1 in the third period.

The bronze medal went to the Züri Girls, who coped better with an hour-long interruption due to a thunderstorm and turned a 1:0 deficit into a 2:1 victory with a show of strength.

This Final4 was certainly also a success for Swisshockey. The persuasive work that current managing director Wouter Bosmans has tirelessly put in over the years has been rewarded. It’s great to see how quickly the separate girls’ championship has developed in recent years! And the growth will continue after the summer vacations, as an eighth team, Basler HC, will be joining the next championship.

It is to be hoped that the clubs will maintain or even increase their efforts to promote girls’ field hockey. The girls-only teams are obviously very popular with the players. Many girls decide to play only sporadically or not at all in the mixed teams. There is certainly potential for further growth, and the U12 girls’ league also provides a solid foundation.

A promising mix that the Swiss country hockey community can look forward to!