In the tiny Eastern Shore town of Pocomoke (pop. 3, 897), girls begin playing field hockey in primary school. The fruits of their early indoctrination are state championships — lots of them.
Tuesday night at Broadneck in the Maryland 1A final, Pocomoke demonstrated its hard-earned proficiency in a 3-0 victory over Poolesville. Senior Erica Henderson scored two goals to lead the Warriors to their fifth straight state title and 15th overall.
Pocomoke’s skill was apparent on a fastbreak goal in the first half. Two players made one-touch passes on the run before Henderson finished with a well-placed slapshot across the crease to make it 2-0.
It’s an annual exercise in frustration for Poolesville (14-2). In coach Regina Grubb’s eight seasons, the Falcons have been among the best programs in the state. But their misfortune is to be stuck in the same classification as Pocomoke. It was the fifth straight year that the Warriors eliminated the Falcons in the state final four.
“They have a great passing game. They know where each other is on the field,” said Grubb. “They know where to go with the ball. They’re a great program. They’re just fun to play.”
After Henderson (35 goals) tallied twice in a 1-minute, 17-second span, midway through the first half, Poolesville made some strong connections behind seniors Allie Gost, Michele Abbaticchio, and Rachel Stream. In the final minute of the half, the Falcons had three penalty corners and a promising opportunity to score, but were denied by a sprawling effort by goalie Sarah Scher (four saves).
“We just didn’t finish,” said Stream (26 goals). “We know they’re good. They intimidate us a lot. But we still come out and play our game. It’s all we can do.”
State final notes
» With 17 state titles, Severna Park is the only school in Maryland with more field hockey championships than Pocomoke.
» Poolesville’s 5-0 shutout of Kent County in the state semifinals was its fifth straight shutout.
» Senior Allie Gost finished as the Falcons’ assist leader with 10.
