Plainfield kept its perfect record league record intact, defeating Rockford 20-5 at the Illinois Girls High School State Championship. The victory marks the Thundercats’ fourth consecutive state title.

Plainfield did not dominate the entire match. As the Thundercats weathered a yellow card issued to fullback Alishia Jordan for 10 minutes, the first half ended up scoreless.

“Rockford began the game just as expected: with stellar tackling and loading the rucks,” Plainfield assistant coach John Sullivan reported. “Each team had opportunities to advance the ball, but good defense kept them each out of the try zone for the first 35 minutes of play.”

Back to full strength, the Plainfield seniors helped fuel a three-try campaign before Rockford replied with one of its own. The Thundercats endured another yellow card, but with another try on the board, the lead was safe, 20-5 to Plainfield. Jordan, scrumhalf Alicia Gonzales, lock Allison Patio, and reserve flanker Shekinah Durham all scored.

“Both teams played their hearts out but the lead the Thundercats built proved to be too much for Rockford to come back from,” Sullivan indicated. “Our seniors led the way for the Thundercats and will be greatly missed next year, but be assured that head coach Chris Milojevich and the rest of the coaching staff are devoted to developing our younger girls and will hopefully compete for a 5th straight title next year.”

Plainfield is the only team in the Illinois varsity division whose B side competes as its own team. The developmental side went 1-3 this season, and also played Rockford to a 20-5 loss in early May. The future looks steadily bright for the Thundercats.