Loomis Chaffee won its second consecutive Chuck Vernon Elite 8 Championship to cap off a dominant postseason run. The No. 5 Pelicans defeated No. 6 Deerfield, 5-1, in the championship game at Dexter Southfield on Sunday, March 8. 

The championship appearance came after a historic semifinal victory the day before. On Saturday, March 7, Loomis defeated No. 1 Noble and Greenough School, 5-4, in overtime, marking the program’s first win over Nobles in at least 17 years and sending the Pelicans to the Elite 8 title game. 

Senior captain and Harvard commit Lindsay Stepnowski was named the Chuck Vernon Elite 8 Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive year. She totaled 10 points, including six goals, in three postseason games after recording seven points (six goals) during last year’s championship run. 

“I am so proud of how this team came together this season,” said head coach Liz Leyden. “Led by the eight seniors, the team played its best hockey in March to earn its second consecutive Elite 8 championship. The commitment the girls had to each other and to playing team hockey was inspiring, and I feel fortunate to coach such an impressive group.” 

In the final, Stepnowski opened the scoring 7:25 into the first period with a shorthanded breakaway, beating Deerfield senior goaltender Izzy Kirby with a forehand-backhand move. Less than a minute later, senior Carly Dann doubled the lead off a feed from freshman Sophie DiGioia. 

Stepnowski struck again with 7:39 remaining in the second period, roofing a forehand shot on another breakaway to give the Pelicans a 3-0 advantage. 

Deerfield cut the lead to 3-1 just before the second intermission. 

Loomis, which had fallen to Deerfield in overtime (2-1) just a week earlier, responded in the third period. Junior Easton Pramuka added two unanswered goals to seal the championship, first burying her own rebound off the rush 3:51 into the period before cleaning up another rebound in tight with six minutes remaining. 

While Stepnowski earned MVP honors, the Pelicans’ senior class played a defining role in the championship run. Alongside Stepnowski, Cornell commit Carly Dann, Yale commit Annie Schwarz, Penn State commit Megan Hosman, Wesleyan commit Hattie Willard, William's commit Adeline Roper, Assumption commit Bella Zolezzi, and Elle Pagliaro, anchored the team’s success. 

Two seasons ago, the spotlight was on this group as sophomores and the potential they could reach together. They took a major step forward as juniors last winter and entered this season firmly in control as seniors. 

Loomis finished the season 24-4-0, scoring 115 goals while allowing just 30, also winning the Founders League championship.