Directions for making an epic state final: Start with 28 combined state championships, add a dash of rivalry, simmer with multiple Division I recruits and bake on low with two of the most accomplished coaches in the history of the state. Then, serve hot, with a garnish of rabid field hockey fans at 7 p.m. tonight at the University of Maryland?s field hockey complex, where juggernauts Severna Park and Bethesda-Chevy Chase will face off the Class 3A state title and huge annual bragging rights.
“Getting back to the finals is important, especially to this team,” said B-CC coach Amy Wood, whose program owns 13 state titles. “You lose 10 seniors, five that play D-I hockey, and people think you won?t be any good.”
In attempting to describe the Barons this year, “good” would be an insult. Sporting a 14-3 record, the 2005 regional finalists decimated La Plata, 7-0, in last week?s state semifinals, leaving no doubt about their place among the state?s elite programs. Meeting Severna Park in the state finals three of the last four years, the Barons defeated the Falcons in 2004.
“We call it, ?Earning the right,?” Wood said. “Two more practices and one more game.”
Severna Park coach Lillian Shelton has continued to make history of her own. Coaching the Falcons (16-0-1) for 31 years, Shelton has amassed a record of 459-50-9. Defeating Fallston, 1-0, in OT on a controversial penalty stroke from Julie Gardner, Severna Park secured its 21st state-final berth.
Winning 15 titles, more than any team in Maryland public-school history, the Falcons stymied a resilient Cougars squad who were looking to add to their nine state crowns. Behind stellar play by starting goalie Corinne Manuel, who left midway through the second half with a cut jaw she received while diving to squash a shot, Severna Park kept Fallston off the board and controlled play most of the day.
State finals schedule
At University of Maryland
Tonight
1A ? Pocomoke vs. Poolesville, 5 p.m.
3A ? Severna Park vs. Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 7 p.m.
Tomorrow
2A ? Hereford vs. Glenelg, 5 p.m.
4A ? South River vs. Quince Orchard, 7 p.m.
