Pomperaug field hockey captures 18th SWC title with 1-0 win over Barlow

Pomperaug field hockey players donned red plaid kilts on Sunday afternoon at Western Connecticut State University, a costume reserved exclusively for postseason play. The decision proved consequential as the Panthers defeated No. 3 seed Barlow 1-0 to claim their second consecutive Southwestern Conference championship.

The victory marks the 18th SWC title in Pomperaug history. The team entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed following a regular season that included a three-point loss to Barlow and a 7-6-0-3 record. Senior Payton Pentino, named tournament most valuable player, attributed the team's postseason success to long-standing cultural habits.

“I think tradition always wins and we have a good team culture that is built on 20 years of traditions,” Pentino said. “These kilts are the original kilts that they wore when they won all these state championships and SWC championships and it’s that team chemistry that allows us to go further.”

The game turned on a single play in the first quarter. Sophomore Payton Barbarisi scored from a corner kick with 1:20 remaining in the period. Pomperaug held the lead through the rest of the match, relying on a defensive shift in the fourth quarter to protect the 1-0 advantage. Goalie Quinn Watson recorded three saves for the Panthers.

Coach Anne Strobel explained the tactical adjustment made in the final period. “We played more offensive minded the first three quarters and in the fourth quarter we arranged the defense a little bit,” Strobel said. “We went more defensive because, you only have to win by one.”

Barlow, seeking its first title since 2015, struggled to convert chances despite winning several corners. Goalie Makayla Wanat made two saves for the Falcons. Coach Nora Curley acknowledged the intensity of the opposition. “(Pomperaug) was relentless and every time we touched the ball, they were on us,” Curley said. “My girls played hard, gave it everything they had and sometimes, it just doesn’t work out in our favor.”

Pentino, a senior high midfielder, controlled the ball in the center of the field for the majority of the match. Strobel noted that the team had to adjust its mindset after an early-season loss to Barlow. “We had to change our mindset and get faster and faster all season,” Strobel said. “We only use (the kilts) in postseason and they bring a little special magic to them out on that field.”