The Maryland field hockey final four is an annual rite for Quince Orchard. For neighborhood rival Wootton, it’s a once-a-decade event.
Wednesday when the teams met in the 4A state semifinals at South River, their divergent experience showed. Scoring three goals in a 6-minute, 49-second span of the first half, defending state champion QO put novice Wootton in its place from the start on its way to a routine 3-0 victory.
Monday night at Broadneck, QO will play in the state final for the fourth time in the last seven years.
“Playing at this level last year and winning helps you a lot when you come back,” said junior Alissa Peterson, who scored the Cougars’ opening goal Wednesday. “It gives you a comfort level, lets you relax and play to your capabilities.”
That’s what QO (14-3) accomplished against Wootton (14-2), dominating the game with its superior speed and skills. The Cougars’ senior goal keeper Katie Giles was called on to make just one save. It was a departure from when the teams met Sept. 14, a 1-0 QO win.
“We’re so much better now than we were then,” said QO coach Jenna Ries. “We took a full six weeks to replace last year’s group, and the nerves that went with that. But they’re twice as good as then.”
QO senior Monica Baick (12 goals, 7 assists) set up two of the goals Wednesday, running down balls deep into the right corner and crossing with long hits, to catch the Wootton defense off balance.
“We had quick hits and we were hitting into space,” said senior defender Alicia Vincenty who scored QO’s final goal. “When Petey [Peterson] scored the first goal, that got us going.”
The presence of Peterson, who has a team-high 13 goals, was a difference. The first time the teams met, she was out of the lineup. Peterson scored the winning goal in overtime of the state championship game last year, to beat South River.
“We look to Petey,” said Vincenty. “She comes up big in the big games.”
SEMI TOUGH
» Sophomore defender Kristina Anderson scored Quince Orchard’s second goal.
» QO coach Jenna Ries (135-27-5 career record) will step down after Monday’s title game.
» It was the third state semifinal appearance for Wootton and first in 13 years. The Pats were led by senior Michele Nguyen (11 goals) and junior Amanda Robello (9 goals).
