For the first time in program history, the WJ Bocce team took home gold at the state championship on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The historic win caps off an impressive season with ups and downs, but through it all, the team continues to do their program justice by proving their worth through their achievements.

The team started the state championships Tuesday morning with a first-round 8-2 win against LaPlata, before winning its state semifinal matchup against Landsdowne with a score of 7-4. Their final test came in the finals against Dulaney, where they won convincingly 8-3 to take home the gold medal.

“It’s a great feeling to be state champions and I’m glad that we could bring WJ its first-ever Bocce state championship,” senior Carter Wood said.

The state championship win comes on the heels of a first-round loss to Quince Orchard in the regional finals only three days before states, showcasing the team’s ability to bounce back and focus on the next match. The Bocce program is one where friendship, inclusivity and teamwork collide to reach a common goal.

“We’ve practiced a lot and I feel like we’ve made a lot of progress this year, you know?” senior Timothy Mulema said. “Personally, I like being on the team a lot.”

(Note: This is a developing story, and the Pitch will continue to add more information as soon as we get it.)