The final reportedly began at a fierce pace before settling into a more physical, scrappy contest. Troy carried greater attacking pressure before halftime, while Rockford had to withstand a demanding opening period.
Coach Stu Quackenbush acknowledged that Troy had the edge in challenges and second balls early on. His assessment, as relayed in the report, was that Rockford had to match the opponent’s intensity before its own quality could emerge.
That response became the foundation of the victory. Rather than allowing a difficult first half to dictate the occasion, Rockford stayed compact and waited for the moment to change the game.
The second goal reportedly reflected both patience and instinct. Quackenbush said DeKuiper had been instructed to carry the ball toward the goal line and help manage the clock after Rockford moved ahead.
Instead, she chose to play Chapin into the decisive position. Chapin finished the move, turning a narrow advantage into a result that appeared secure and giving Rockford the clearest possible ending to its long wait for a state championship.
DeKuiper’s contribution carried an added layer of emotion. The report says she had faced a difficult choice between playing in the state final and serving as maid of honor at her sister Sammie’s wedding on the same day.
With her family’s support, she chose the match and reportedly described the Rockford squad as a true sisterhood. School director Ricky Clark also praised the team’s connection with its community and the years many of the players have spent together.
The next challenge will be sustaining that standard. Rockford now faces the pressure that comes with becoming the team everyone wants to beat, while Troy will look to turn a painful final defeat into fuel for its next state run.