The McLean High girls’ field hockey team won its first round game over Jefferson, 2-1, at the Liberty District tournament on Oct. 19. Senior Casey Alexander scored both of McLean’s goals. Assists came from Olivia Applewhite and Caitlin Baker.

The Highlanders lost their following game to Fairfax, 4-0, in a semifinals contest the following night. The top-seeded Rebels went on to win the district title game on Oct. 22, 1-0, over Langley at Madison High School.

McLean is competing at this week’s 16-team Northern Region tournament. The Highlanders were scheduled to play a first round game at Oakton on Tuesday (Oct. 27).

All-Liberty District players were announced prior to Tuesday’s district semifinals at Madison. First Team selections for McLean were Caitlin Baker, Casey Alexander and Olivia Applewhite. Second Team selections for the Highlanders were Jamie Bell and Kristina Bettner.

Baker, a McLean senior team captain, was named the Liberty District Player of the Year. Baker is a fourth year starter for McLean and a three-year all-district selection.

Prior to the district tournament, McLean had defeated cross-town rival Langley, 3-0, at the annual Rotary Cup game on Oct. 15.

McLean's goals were scored by Becca Latimer, Kristina Bettner and Jordan Walker. Assists came from Caitlin Baker, Jamie Bell and Latimer. The regular season closer took place on a chilly, rainy afternoon at Langley. Over the previous 14 years in the Rotary Cup meeting between the friendly rivals, both teams had won seven times each.

"The games are definitely more intense," said McLean’s Baker, of the rivalry matchup.

“Whether we are playing at Langley or at McLean there is always a big crowd. Our friends are always there to cheer us on. They are always close and exciting games."

Langley senior midfielder Brenna Hill agreed, saying, “This is one of our last games of the season. The rivalry is very big because we live so close to each other and winning [the Rotary Cup] is amazing. It's a big deal to win that trophy. It's something you can show off. We all wanted [to win] so badly.”

In another late season game, McLean defeated Jefferson, 2-1, on the Highlanders’ Senior Night. The Colonials led 1-0 at the half. But with less than 10 minutes left in the game, McLean’s Alexander scored twice, assisted by Baker. McLean's graduating seniors are: Casey Alexander, Olivia Applewhite, Caitlin Baker, Johanna Morrison, Sarah Park and Maddy Parkhurst.