Good morning, readers. Right this moment, we’ll have our annual fast-paced presentation of quite a few match video games in what we name TopOfTheCircle.com On-The-Go. Right this moment, we see three state finals in Pennsylvania, 5 in New Jersey, three in Massachusetts, 4 in Virginia, and three in Connecticut.
As well as, there might be 4 sectional championships in California, six state semifinals in New York, and 6 semifinals within the New England Non-public Faculties Athletics Council.
We’ll be posting small blurbs right here on the weblog, specializing in one sport at a time in our “whiparound” fashion. It’s one thing you’re seeing increasingly more of in lots of sports activities, and I’d prefer to suppose area hockey can sooner or later have its personal skilled video presence for this type of factor.
We’ll be right here all day till our onerous cease on the finish of the NJSIAA Non-Public closing someday round 6 p.m. Till then, be sure you hit the refresh button in your browser to see what’s happening as much as the minute. In contrast to our liveblog, we’re writing from top-down as a substitute of bottom-up.
8:30 a.m. PRESHOW — Right this moment, there might be round 35 video games going down from La Jolla, Calif. to Virginia Seaside, Va.
One commentary to make about a few of these video games is {that a} good portion of them are rematches. Some are from the common season, such because the New Jersey Non-Public closing at 4 p.m. between Summit Oak Knoll (N.J.) and Cherry Hill Camden Catholic (N.J.). These two sides met twice in every week, Oak Knoll taking a 1-0 win on September 28, and Camden Catholic taking a 2-1 win on October 5. The third assembly will, I consider, even be shut.
However at this time will see a bunch of playoff rematches, which sees groups who’ve met beforehand within the postseason assembly once more within the closing.
In Virginia, the VHSL finals will function Yorktown Tabb (Va.) and Poquoson (Va.) who met simply a few weeks in the past within the regional closing which noticed each groups matriculate to the Class 3A bracket. In Class 6A, Arlington Yorktown (Va.) might be going for its second consecutive state title, assembly Oakton (Va.) for the primary time for the reason that regional closing in Area D.
In Pennsylvania, all three state finals are replays of district finals performed two weeks in the past. In Class AAA, it’s a District 1 rematch between Malvern Villa Maria (Pa.) towards Tredyffrin Conestoga (Pa.). In Class AA, it’s Lititz Warwick (Pa.) and Dillsburg Northern York (Pa.), who performed the District 3 closing, whereas two extra District 3 sides, Elliotsburg West Perry (Pa.) and Boiling Springs (Pa.) will contest the Class A closing.
In Connecticut, the contestants within the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Council closing, Darien (Conn.) and Westport Staples (Conn.) will meet once more for the CIAC Class L closing. The final time they met, Darien had a late lead, however Staples staged a comeback, successful the sport on a Sofia Palacios backhand golazo in time beyond regulation.
Jim Davis, the long-time area hockey author at The Trentonian, hated the idea of a playoff rematch, the place a workforce you defeated within the postseason may circle again retains eligibility to win a championship.
“In the event you lose, you go residence,” he would say.
Factor is, there may have been yet one more playoff rematch however for an accident in geography and enrollment. Right this moment’s Virginia’s 5A closing, Suffolk Nansemond River (Va.) takes on Virginia Seaside First Colonial (Va.). These two groups are within the better Hampton Roads space, situated a mere 30 miles aside. However, due to VHSL’s line-drawing, they’re in two separate areas. First Colonial comes into this sport having received the 5A area, whereas Nansemond River received the 5B closing.
Right this moment, the nation’s two longest win streaks are on the road as Tabb seems to increase its streak to 90 video games, whereas Watertown (Mass.) seems to increase its win streak to 97.
In different statistical issues to look at is the truth that three 50-goal scorers — Bree Zoccolo of Warwick, Jordan Byers of West Perry, and Rachel Egan of Watertown are taking part in at this time. So far as we all know, Jordyn Hollamon of Delmar (Del.) leads the nation in objectives scored with 61.
Oh, and there’s additionally one other factor to keep in mind at this time: one of many video games at this time entails a storyline surrounding males in area hockey. Somerset-Berkley Regional (Mass.) and head coach Jen Criminal have at all times welcomed male gamers, together with her sons Lucas and Ryan, into the lineup. The latter might be within the aspect at this time towards Nortwood (Mass.).
This 12 months, Dighton-Rehoboth (Mass.) give up its sport towards SBR in a huff due to the mere presence of Ryan Criminal. Whereas SBR is in at this time’s closing, Dighton-Rehoboth didn’t even qualify for its 32-team state bracket.
9:00 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y. — The New York Class A semifinal sport between Backyard Metropolis (N.Y.) and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (N.Y.) is getting beneath approach with pregame ceremonies.
Each of those sides have competed on the Nationwide Excessive Faculty Invitational prior to now. BH-BL, out of Part 2, is 19-0 this season; Backyard Metropolis, the Part 11 winner, is 14-2 on the season. BH-BL has solely conceded 4 objectives this 12 months; GC has solely yielded 5.
The sport is on, and the Spartans get a penalty nook within the sport’s third minute. The pull-right from the 1-up goes broad.
5 minutes later, BH-BL will get a collection of two penalty corners, and its second try, on an option-left, misses the cage. The Spartans are holding possession in its half of the sphere and have but to let Backyard Metropolis over the middle stripe.
Within the thirteenth minute, Lily Mastrella will get a sliver of room on the left wing, advances to aim, however her backhander goes broad. It’s the perfect probability in open play at this time.
However what’s this? With a minute to go within the first quarter, BH-BL has a shot deflected excessive on a penalty nook, and it’s put in by sophomore Grace Kogut! Spartans lead 1-0 on the finish of a dominant first quarter.
On a second quarter penalty nook, BH-BL runs an option-right off the shotgun, however the Spartans are referred to as for obstruction. Later, the Spartans get a few pictures on internet, however the second is whistled down for a harmful stick.
9:40 — WORCESTER, Mass. — The ultimate of the MIAA Division 2 title match is beneath approach from Worcester State College between Somerset-Berkley Regional and Norwood. SBR is in search of its third state title; Norwood, the highest seed, is in search of its first title.
The Raiders seemingly get the ball into the aim cage on a 3-on-1, however it goes off a Raider’s foot.
A collection of penalty corners ensues right here with SBR. The ball goes to Criminal, who goals a flick over the aim cage. On a re-rack, Criminal flips a low shot which works off a Norwood foot.
And now, within the seventh minute, SBR will get one other nook. The preliminary shot is stopped by the Norwood protection, however it goes proper to Criminal on the penalty spot, who makes no mistake. Raiders lead 1-0.
9:45 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y. — The sport has been stopped for greater than 5 minutes as there’s a full-on dialogue about an harm to a Backyard State participant. The results of the play was a BH-BL penalty nook as a substitute of a foul on the Spartans.
The umpires, web site supervisor for the NYSPHSAA, and the coaches at the moment are on the scorer’s desk discussing the incident. The result’s established order, in {that a} BH-BL penalty nook is the end result, regardless of the harm, which got here because of a Spartan stick.
Within the closing minute of the primary half, BH-BL runs a nook from the Brooklyn aspect, and can’t get a shot on aim. A penalty nook is whistled earlier than the halftime buzzer, and BH-BL has her shot saved by Backyard metropolis goalie Madeline Mitchell. She has had an excellent first half towards the stress of 13 penalty corners.
The ball goes over the top line, and the umpire whistles the top of the half with Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake main Backyard Metropolis 1-0.
9:50 — WORCESTER, Mass. — With two minutes remaining within the first quarter, SBR doubles its benefit. It’s Ryan Criminal once more for the Raiders. The Raiders get a penalty nook to finish the primary quarter, however Norwood’s flyer makes the interception and clear. The quarter ends with Somerset-Berkley main 2-0.
9:45 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y. —
Criminal’s objectives are, regrettably, not going to alter the controversy in regards to the function of male gamers in area hockey in America. The MIAA has boys’ area hockey written into its regulatory construction, however no groups have but organized in any significant approach.
I’ve at all times mentioned that younger males have to be taking part in area hockey on varsity boys’ groups, however till the folks operating area hockey assist and enjoyable males’s area hockey, you’re going to have this very downside.
10:00 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — We’re on the opening whistle of the NJSIAA Group III closing begins, as defending champion Mullica Hill Clearview (N.J.) takes on Allendale Northern Highlands (N.J.).
Northern Highlands, on an innocuous play, suppose they’ve the opener within the sport’s second minute, however the ball was by no means touched contained in the circle; a 23-meter free-in is the end result.
Three minutes later, Clearview will get a penalty nook to the left, and the shot is deflected in; Britney Ewan’s crew leads 1-0 within the fifth minute of play!
10:10 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y.. — On an adjoining area to the Backyard Metropolis-Burnt Hills match, it’s Shrub Oak Lakeland (N.Y.) taking the early lead over Pittsford Mendon (N.Y.) within the different Class B semifinal. The story is that Lakeland’s head coach is Sharon Sarsen, who’s third amongst lively coaches in wins, as she is nearing 750 for her distinguished profession.
10:20 — VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The VHSL Class 3A has a breakthrough, as Yorktown Tabb (Va.) leads Poquoson 2-0 within the 18th minute of play. Tabb is in search of its fourth straight state title, and is trying to lengthen its successful streak to 90 video games.
Tabb, beneath head coach Wendy Wilson, has had large success within the sport due to an athletic and attacking fashion of play, good expertise, and onerous work.
However now, Poquoson will get a penalty nook within the sport’s twenty second minute. From the Brooklyn aspect, Poquoson will get a shot from the left aspect which is saved and cleared, however off a Tabb foot. On the second time of asking, the Islander shot is sticked over the sideline for a free-in.
10:28 — WORCESTER, Mass. — We’re again on the Somerset-Norwood sport, and the Mustangs have pulled one again by means of Ava Hines, who scores her forty fifth aim of the season within the closing seconds of the third quarter. This may very well be an attention-grabbing fourth quarter, to make certain.
10:34 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y.. — We’re at full time right here at Arlington Excessive Faculty, as BH-BL wins 3-0 over Backyard Metropolis. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake wins 3-0, with out permitting the Trojans a penalty nook throughout regulation. They may tackle the Lakeland-Mendon winner from the sport on the adjoining pitch.
10:36 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — An untimed penalty nook by Clearview hops over the endline, and the sport goes to the half with Clearview main Northern Highlands 1-0.
One in every of Clearview’s workforce highlights to date got here on the Nationwide Excessive Faculty Invitational, because the Pioneers beat Elliotsburg West Perry (Pa.) 1-0. West Perry, curiously, performs within the Pennsylvania Class A closing in about half an hour.
10:42 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Issues are getting powerful and tense right here within the final 10 minutes of the Division 2 closing. On an opportunity resulting in a 23M free-in, a Norwood and SBR participant collide on the left of the cage. It’s that sort of a sport.
In the meantime, Criminal is beginning to exert affect over the sport, hitting 40-yard passes and making steals. However the Mustangs are capable of get it again within the assault circle. Their assault penalty nook is pushed from exterior the circle, and at a harmful peak. That was an opportunity not taken.
10:46 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — And Clearview takes a 2-0 lead within the Group 3 closing due to an Alaina Lomonaco aim, her second of the match! The Pioneers transfer one step nearer to a doable repeat.
10:50 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Norwood has a penalty nook now with beneath two left within the match; what can they do with this?
Norwood will get a shot off, however it’s defensed by SBR on the low block. Norwood is making an attempt to get it into the circle, however cleared by Criminal. Wherever will do in the intervening time.
Mustangs with a penalty nook on the horn; Norwood should take this to attempt to tie the match. However the backhand shot is broad, and the second half ends. Somerset-Berkley Regional wins the match by a rating of 2-1! The Raiders are champions for the third time!
10:55 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y. — Lakeland, main 2-0, continues to be attacking with abandon. The Hornets have an open blast on the Mendon cage which is stopped by the goalkeeper.
Lakeland earnes a nook within the thirty seventh minute, and taking it from the Brooklyn aspect. Lengthy shot from Gabriella Santini, on a deeper angle on the proper, finds internet! Wow! It’s her second of the sport and the Hornets lead 3-0 and seem like they’re destined for a gathering tomorrow with Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake!
11:00 — WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — The CIAC area hockey closing between Branford (Conn.) and Guilford (Conn.) might be contesting the Class M closing. These two faculties are situated a scant eight miles aside alongside the northern banks of Lengthy Island Sound. These groups didn’t meet within the SCC match; Branford had misplaced within the first spherical of the convention match, so this isn’t a playoff rematch.
Branford is urgent to get an early nook within the first 4 minutes, however Guilford is placing up a battle. Branford with an extended shot that’s sticked apart, and a 23M free-in for Guilford.
11:10 — MECHANICSVILLE, Pa. — The PIAA Class A closing between West Perry and Boiling Springs is beneath approach. The groups met a scant two weeks in the past at a pitch about 4 miles away. West Perry received the sport 6-2.
Boiling Springs manufactures a penalty nook from a 3-on-3, and can ship to the highest. West Perry’s Autumn Albright carries the ball in direction of the sideline and clears.
Jordan Byers, one of many nation’s main scorers, dances into the ultimate third and whips in a backhand shot which the goalkeeper saves together with her proper moonboot.
11:17 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — In the meantime, Clearview takes a 3-0 lead within the Group 3 closing within the 56th minute, and it seems to be clear crusing for the Pioneers on the best way to their third straight state title.
The gang at Bordentown’s pitch is feeling the enjoyment of the anticipated win. The ultimate buzzer goes, and Clearview wins the sport!
11:17 — MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Bang! Jordan Byers on the 1-up penalty nook and the Mustangs take a 1-0 lead! It’s Byers’ 56th aim of the season!
Moments later, Byers, on the identical nook, slices it broad of the cage and one way or the other misses a teammate on the penalty spot and one on the left submit! That would have been two!
Byers, who’s headed to Iowa, had a hat trick two weeks in the past in a 6-2 win over Boiling Springs within the PIAA District 3 title match … however in open play, Dyer will get a second aim for West Perry and the benefit is doubled!
Seconds later, West Perry will get one other penalty nook, one which ends up in a Byers blast that misses the cage. And within the closing minute, Byers is tripped within the circle with an open lane to aim, and a penalty stroke is named!
Byers steps to the spot and flips it into the highest nook the place Mama hides the Skinny Mints! It’s 3-0 West Perry! That could be a great stroke aim, and it’s her 57th of the season.
11:28 — LAGRANGEVILLE, N.Y. — The semifinals of the New York Class C match are going down at Arlington Excessive Faculty, and Carle Place is trailing Whitney Level 1-0. Time is out due to a collision between two Carle Place gamers. Two recent defenders are going to return in briefly for the Frogs.
And now, inside minutes of that stoppage, Colleen Hildebrand stakes Whitney Level to a 2-0 lead within the twenty second minute of play. Each of those video games had been very a lot towards the run of play, and Whitney Level took benefit of the house to attain. The Eagles are aiming for a 3rd, however can’t hold it inbounds, and the Frogs have a free out from the 16Y.
11:45 — MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Boiling Springs, regardless of being down 4-0, are taking part in higher and taking the ball by means of the attacking third. However a stupendous block deal with on the a part of the Mustang protection sends a Bubbler flying, and the Boiling Springs supporters are up in arms!
The halftime klaxon sounds with West Perry main 4-0. Jordan Byers with three of the 4 objectives for the Mustangs.
11:47 — WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — The CIAC Class M area hockey closing between Branford (Conn.) and Guilford (Conn.) is heading into the third quarter with the edges goalless.
Branford, on a penalty nook within the thirty fifth minute, rings a drag flick off the submit! Wow! That rebounded at the least a dozen yards again into the sphere of play! Guilford clears, however offers up one other penalty nook, which is stopped by the goalkeeper.
Guilford, seconds later, will get a penalty nook of its personal. Good use of lateral passes nearly shakes a participant free on the penalty spot, however a stick violation offers Branford the ball.
A minute later, Guilford will get one other nook. Can they break by means of this time? This nook probability goes begging, and we stay goalless.
11:55 — MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Boiling Springs is within the ascendancy right here, placing stress on West Perry within the first 5 minutes of the third quarter. West Perry nonetheless leads the sport 4-0, however the Bubblers get one other penalty nook right here.
On the play, the lengthy flick from the Bubblers’ Anna Lucido goes over the aim cage. A follow-up nook goes to the highest, choice proper, however the deal with ends in a re-rack for Boiling Springs. The move play is defensed. That’s 5 corners in row for the District 3A runners-up, however they’ve come up empty.
12:00 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — It’s the opening hitback between Woolwich Kingsway (N.J.) and Montclair (N.J.) within the NJSIAA Group 4 closing. Kingsway has executed a exceptional job getting again to the state match closing for a 3rd straight 12 months. Kingway not solely graduated a prime senior class, however misplaced goalie Soren Kipphut, who graduated early from highschool to enroll on the College of Virginia.
Montclair has a fantastic human curiosity story. Win or lose, that is the ultimate sport within the teaching profession of Mary Pat Mercurio, who has greater than 450 wins in 31 years of teaching the Mounties. Montclair has not received a state championship since 1985.
12:00 — WORCESTER, Mass. — We’re again at Worcester State College, the place Watertown (Mass.) is assembly Sandwich (Mass.) within the MIAA Division 3 closing. Watertown, regardless of successful greater than 90 straight video games, is the second seed within the match. That must be a motivation for head coach Eileen Donahue’s workforce.
The Knights are urgent the difficulty right here and have a part of 4 corners on this part of play. Nevertheless, the Watertown protection is holding properly. Quinn Jordan had a tip alternative on the final, however can’t get it on body.
Wow; Watertown has conceded a fifth penalty nook on this first quarter. Can the Knights get one thing out of this? Effectively, after the Raiders’ journey, it’s No. 6. Sandwich continues to be urgent they usually get a seventh nook within the final 5 minutes. The Knights would like to get one right here, however Rachel Egan with the interception!
12:08 — CONCORD, Mass. — We’ve a aim within the first quarter of the NEPSAC Class B semifinal between Harmony Middlesex (Mass.) and Weston Rivers Faculty (Mass.), as an option-left one way or the other acquired behind the goalkeeper, and Middlesex leads 1-0!
12:16 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — Kingsway will get an untimed nook on the finish of the primary quarter, however the try is intercepted and cleared! The edges are goalless in the intervening time, however there’s each indication that each groups are eager to get that first aim.
12:16 — EASTHAMPTON, Mass. — At Sawyer Subject, we’ve two fast objectives from Easthampton Williston Northampton Faculty (Mass.) within the second quarter of the NEPSAC Class B semifinal because the hosts take a powerful benefit over Brookline Dexter Southfield (Mass.). Yep, these are very positively the “blink and also you’ll miss it” selection.
12:27 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — Montclair with a set of three penalty corners, and the third one goes to the left wing, right down to the submit, and in by Eliza Larson, her twenty first of the season! Montclair is up 1-0 on Kingsway!
12:30 — MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Full time right here in Mechanicsburg, and West Perry has received solely its second state championship in class historical past in any sport! Credit score Jordan Byers with the brace on the day, and 57 objectives on the season.
12:32 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — And similar to that, Kingsway with the penalty nook and the rating to degree the Group 4 closing, due to Grace Hunter’s rebound! It’s 1-1 shortly earlier than the halftime interval.
12:33 — WETHERSFORD, Conn. — We’re in time beyond regulation between Guilford and Branford!
Guilford has been given a inexperienced card for a visit eight minutes into further time, and now Branford on the facility play for the rest of the primary time beyond regulation interval. However Guilford with a hopeful run up the proper wing, however lose the ball again to Branford. The Bees can’t get it into the circle. The buzzer sounds, and we’ll go to double OT right here with the sport at 0-0.
Guilford earns the penalty nook after the inexperienced card expires; allow us to see what they do with this. Guilford flubs the insert, and is lucky not to surrender a breakaway.
On the regather, Guilford will get the ball into the circle, strikes the goalkeeper, and the ball goes in off Cassie Ward’s stick within the 72nd minute! What a sport! What a closing!
12:33 — VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — We’re within the third interval between Virginia Seaside First Colonial and Suffolk Nansemond River, and Nansemond River is main main 2-0. Nansemond River, beneath head coach Allison Dize, is in search of a state title for the primary time.
First Colonial has regrouped and reloaded after the retirement of Laura “Beanie” Schleicher and her three state titles in 4 seasons a number of years again. Head coach Nancy Sensible has executed a tremendous job in getting her gamers to consider of their expertise and velocity.
FC will get by means of into the ultimate third, however the ball is tipped over the top line by Nansemond River, and it’s a 23M free in for FC. However moments later, Nansemond River will get a penalty nook probability. That nook has been defensed and cleared.
Jordan White with wonderful expertise for NR, and he or she will get round two gamers for FC and has the goalie down, however one way or the other that ball is saved out. Wow; how did that not go in? Penalty nook is the end result, however NR can’t rating the ball.
12:56 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Watertown has a 1-0 lead late within the third quarter, however Sandwich is placing on the stress by way of the penalty nook. Watertown’s Caroline Andrade, who had the aim within the sport’s seventeenth minute, makes a defensive play on the brief nook. We go to the fourth with the Raiders main 1-0.
1:05 — ANDOVER, Mass. — Wow, solely 3:41 into the competition, and Andover Phillips Academy (Mass.) takes a 1-0 lead over Greenwich (Mass.) Academy within the NEPSAC Class A semifinal. Greenwich Academy was one of many higher groups within the New England preparatory world within the early 2000s, however Phillips has assembled an superior workforce which has had only a few shut video games to date. The Blues are within the TopOfTheCircle.com Prime 10 for a purpose.
1:10 — BORDENTOWN, N.J. — Kingsway with a double-deflection into the cage! The gang goes mad, however the umpire whistles it down; was it hazard? Moments later, the Dragons with one other nook, however the person play alongside the left wing is tackled and cleared.
1:12 — MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — We’re beneath approach at Cumberland Valley Excessive Faculty, as we’ve a rematch of the PIAA District 3-AA title match between Lititz Warwick (Pa.) and Dillsburg Northern York (Pa.). Northern York is making its first state closing look; Warwick is trying to make a really emotional win solely three days after the dying of former head coach Bob Derr.
