After winning a conference title and a regional crown, the Gloucester High School varsity field hockey team capped an undefeated season by winning the VHSL Group 5A State Championship in Virginia Beach on Saturday.

The Gloucester girls needed only two more wins going into the state tournament to take the 5A trophy. After getting by Stafford with a come-back 3-2 win on Friday, the Dukes earned the state championship with a three-goal shutout of Deep Run on Saturday.

“I’m exhausted and overwhelmed, but I’m so happy,” said GHS head coach Mike Miller, sounding tired and hoarse Monday morning. “It hasn’t all sunk in yet.”

After a week with no competition following the regional tournament, the excitement started to build for the Dukes on Friday. As they prepared to depart GHS, Miller and his team found their route through the school halls and out to the bus lined with students and staff cheering them on.

“We got an unbelievable send-off,&rd...