CHESTER, Pa. – As part of its Women's History Month celebration, Widener Athletics recognizes the 2021 Widener Field Hockey team, a group that achieved a historic milestone and helped redefine the program's trajectory.

Following an abbreviated 2020-21 campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pride entered the 2021 season with renewed determination. Building off a 2019 campaign in which Widener earned the No. 3 seed and fell just short in the MAC Commonwealth semifinals, the team took the next step forward.

In 2021, Widener once again secured the No. 3 seed in the MAC Commonwealth Tournament, but this time delivered a breakthrough performance. The Pride defeated No. 2 York College (Pa.) in a tightly contested 1-0 semifinal victory, earning the program's first-ever appearance in the MAC Commonwealth Championship game

Widener then faced top-seeded Messiah University in the championship, ultimately falling 7-3. Despite the result, the Pride's offensive output showcased the team's growth and competitiveness on the conference's biggest stage.

The 2021 season also marked the first true year at the helm for head coach Melissa McCarthy, whose leadership helped guide the program to new heights following a season without full competition.

From a semifinal exit in 2019 to a championship appearance in 2021, the Pride's journey reflects resilience, growth, and a commitment to excellence. As Widener Athletics celebrates Women's History Month, the 2021 field hockey team stands as a defining chapter in program history and a foundation for future success.