Maryland Community Newspapers Online
The county's field hockey landscape has experienced some changes this season.
While perennial heavyweights Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Quince Orchard have experienced solid seasons yet again, the pair of annual state playoff participants has been caught, and perhaps even surpassed, this regular season, which will come to an end next week.
Although saddled by a youthful roster, the Barons have still compiled an 8-4 mark, with two of their losses coming against St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.) and Severna Park, teams they won't face in the postseason. Katherine Mirsky has led the way. The Cougars have a new coach in Laura Williams, who took over for the highly successful Jenna Ries, but they've still produced a 7-2-1 record.
Blake (9-0), Springbrook (8-1) and Churchill (8-1), however, have been the class of the county this season, in particular the Bengals. A team full of solid veterans, Blake has beaten the opposition by a combined 45-5 score, including a recent 3-2 overtime win against the Blue Devils.
Blake has dominated through an explosive offense, led by Sharon Metzger (17 goals), Hannah Elie (10 goals, 5 assists) and Justine Allen (10 goals), and a stingy defense that has recorded seven shutouts. Springbrook has surrendered just four goals while Churchill, paced by Jenna Hawk, Ellen Suttle and Shannon Disbrow, has dropped 51 on its nine opponents.
Not far behind are Poolesville (7-2), Damascus (7-3), Walter Johnson (7-3), Magruder (7-4), Wootton (6-3) and Whitman (5-3). The Falcons are undergoing a large youth movement, much like B-CC, but look like contenders to once again capture the 1A West Region.
Damascus was experiencing one of its better seasons to date, including a recent 2-1 win against B-CC, but the Swarmin' Hornets have suffered consecutive losses to Poolesville (2-0 score) and Clarksburg (1-0, OT). Coach Jodi Hathaway believes the victory over the Barons was "big for the confidence part of it. At least mentally, we won't be beat when we step on the field but just like any sport, it's tough to beat anybody twice."
Magruder, who boasts one of the county's top players in Elana Diestel, owns wins against Quince Orchard and Churchill and is considered one of the teams to watch during postseason play by Bulldogs coach Monica Malanoski .
Another dangerous team is Paint Branch (5-4). Although the its record isn't as good as the teams listed above, the Panthers boast one of the county's best defenses, limiting Springbrook, Blake and Magruder to one goal each in losses. Senior goalkeeper Kate McLaughlin has recorded 43 saves.
In the private sector, Stone Ridge (8-0-1) and Bullis (9-2) are two of the top teams in the Independent School League. The Gators have done it with defense, allowing a paltry three goals, while the Bulldogs are on pace for their second winning season since 1994.
Holy Cross (6-3-1) stands astride the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference standings with a 5-0 record. Good Counsel, the defending champion, has slumped to 1-4 in league play, including a pair of losses to the Tartans.
Field hockey 2008
Top teams: Blake (9-0), Springbrook (8-1), Churchill (8-1)
Best offense: Churchill. The Bulldogs have punched in 51 goals in nine matches and are averaging 5.6 goals per game, with a high of 18 against Wheaton.
Best defense: Stone Ridge. The Gators have allowed just three goals in nine games and none since Sept. 14, a 4-1 win against non-league St. John's (D.C.).
Pleasant surprise (individual): After being treated to some of the state's most dominant players in Quince Orchard's Emily Ellenberger and Poolesville's Rachel Stream last year, the county is void of such an overpowering force this fall, although chock full of numerous solid competitors.
Pleasant surprise (team): Bullis. This program had produced just one winning season since 1994 but the Bulldogs have captured nine wins in their first 11 matches.
