The Marlins’ Varsity Hockey (MVH) team pulled out a win against Grosse Pointe South on Jan. 12, ending their losing streak against the Blue Devils. At the end of the second period, GPS gained a goal, making the score 4-3. In the third period they came back to tie the game at 4-4. However, within a minute, Senior Libby Bartels scored two goals, advancing the Marlins to victory with a score of 6-4.

Losing in the State Semifinals in 2018 to Grosse Pointe South (GPS) was devastating to the Mercy Varsity Hockey team (MVH). Losing their most recent game to GPS in the 2019 season was another blow to the team’s confidence. Always a tight rivalry, GPS has been sure to keep the 3-peat State Championship winning team on their toes. Memories of a tight 2-1 loss last year and another close game of 8-6 in late 2018, the team had a goal of defeating the Blue Devils on January 12.

Bartels, a four year MVH member and team captain, has been on the team during all three State Championship wins. For her, losing last year was devastating because it was the last time she would see her friends play together. Injured on the bench and forced to watch the game, she was unable to help the team. However, this year she is has been on the ice as a forward starter.

As the game holds such importance to each player and the team’s success overall, the support of the student body would greatly boost their confidence. Bartels said that attendance to games that are not State Semifinals or Finals is extremely low, and most fans in the stands are parents. To have a successful team, support is needed for all games.

Sophomore Grace Reeber looks back on how MVH and GPS’ rivalry has grown over the past two years. Due to the fact that the games are always nail-biters, it has become frustrating to the team that they are unable to pull out a win. “Losing to GPS during States last year was devastating because [GPS] is a team we have the ability to beat,” said Reeber.

That’s exactly what the Marlins did on January 12. Leading both the first and second periods, the Marlins exhibited strength and determination. Every player brought their best. Goals were scored by junior Sydney Takla, sophomores Grace Reeber and Grace Nieto.