Jess Traynor claims her teammates don't often discuss Upper Perkiomen field hockey's bid for a Pioneer Athletic Conference four-peat. However, she thinks about it regularly.

            "It's in the back of my mind," Traynor said. "Winning the league championship

Jade Traynor dribbles the ball in front ot the Oley Valley goalkeeper.  Upper Perkiomen lost the game 2-0 on Sat- urday, Oct. 8.

all four years would be really something."

            The senior believes the team has positioned itself to capture its fourth consecutive conference title. With one league game remaining, the Tribe is where it needs to be, according to head coach Jamie Warren.

            The Indians (10-3 PAC, 12-5 overall) have already clinched their third straight Frontier Division title since 2019 and qualified for the Final Four, which begins Tuesday. Warren said they will be ready for the rigors of the playoffs.  "We're in a good position," the coach said.

            Warren felt Upper Perk played its best game of the season in a 2-0 non-league loss to Oley Valley, the defending District Three Class 1A champions and PIAA championship finalist, last weekend.  "Our girls worked very well together," Warren said.

            A pair of fourth-quarter goals on penalty corners by Isabella Buehler snapped a scoreless tie on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Keeny Field.

            Warren described the Lynx (12-1-1), who have played for the state title in three of the last six seasons, as polished.

            Scoring chances for both teams were rare. Most of the game was played in the middle of the field.

            "We displayed real good energy, especially in the fourth quarter," Warren said.

            Traynor compared the level of play to a playoff game.

            Two ninth graders received significant playing time against Oley Valley. Warren said the insertion of Kylie Marshall and Landry DeLillo on defense, as well as an alignment shift, makes her team more dependent on its midfielders.

            Two days earlier, the Indians clinched their third consecutive Frontier Division title with a 9-0 victory over Pottsgrove. Jade Traynor delivered a game-high four goals.

            Abby Rodenberger and Ashlyn Gatto each delivered a goal and an assist for the host Tribe on Thursday, Oct. 6. Jess Traynor, Sarah Steinman and Ave Senseny also scored.

            Emma Lajeunesse stopped two shots.

            On Tuesday, the Indians completed their fourth consecutive undefeated season against division opponents. Steinman led the Indians to a 10-0 victory over Pottstown with a game-high three goals. Jade and Julia Traynor each scored twice for the team, which posted its fourth consecutive victory.

            Jess Traynor and Rodenberger both contributed a goal and an assist. Emily Caciolo also scored, and Ava Hengeveld stopped the only shot she faced.

            During Jess Traynor's four seasons, the Tribe has dominated its Frontier Division opponents during the regular season, posting a 32-0 record. Including the playoffs, the team has lost only five games overall, including two to Perkiomen Valley.

            According to Jess Traynor, the Indians will be sure to play their final regular season game Thursday night at home against Spring-Ford with determination. She said the players don't want to absorb their fourth consecutive defeat against a Liberty Division opponent.  "We don't want another loss," she said. "We're going to come out with a lot of energy and confidence."

            A victory over the Rams would likely enhance Upper Perkiomen's positioning in the District One Class 2A power ranking. It currently sits in fifth place.