The George Mason High School varsity field hockey team ended its season last Saturday with a winning record of 6-4-1.

The two-year-old program, currently a club sport, nearly tripled the number of games played this season as compared to last, thus improving the players’ stick skills and understanding of the game.

The Mason team, coached by Anne Steenhoek, practiced three times a week with significant conditioning at each practice, which allowed the team to outrun and tire competitors at each game.

“We started each practice with a track workout this season,” said sophomore midfielder Emma Graig. “It was hard, but they really paid off when we would maintain our energy throughout the entire game.”

The players hope for field hockey to become an official school sport by the 2013-14 fall season. Many plan to play in indoor winter leagues to improve upon their field hockey skills and stay in shape for the next season. The field hockey team will be competing in the Rehoboth Beach Bash field hockey tournament this spring as well.

The team will continue fundraising in the off-season with a holiday chocolate truffle sale. For more information on that sale, visit virginiachocolatecompany.com/Lady-Mustangs_c12.htm.