River Hill’s field hockey team won its first ever regional title after claiming a 3-1 victory over visiting Atholton on Wednesday afternoon.
Nina Collins scored two goals and Paige Decker added another to help the Hawks (13-4) claim the Class 3A East crown. Kat Varga added an assist and goalkeeper Jordan Levy made a game-high seven stops.
Stephanie McGowan scored a goal that was assisted by Kim Markovitz for the Raiders (10-4). Keeper Kelly Shuman had five saves.
River Hill finished the regular season tied for third place in Howard County with an 8-3 league record. In the regional semifinals, the Hawks defeated Howard, 3-1, avenging a regular season loss to the Lions.
“We are obviously so excited to win our first regional championship,” said Hawks coach Shelly Chamness. “We played very nervous at first and got backed up in our own defensive circle with 4-5 penalty corners against us. However, momentum shifted when Paige Decker dribbled through a bunch of players and made a great shot. At that point, we perked up. Our front line has been really good this year with working together to score. Defense held strong and Jordan Levy has saved 90% of the goals all year long.”
River Hill will now face Quince Orchard (Montgomery County), which won the 3A West title with a 2-0 win over Blake. That state semifinals contest will take place at Broadneck High School next Wednesday at 5 p.m. with the title game being played at Washington College on November 13th.
Class 3A East Regiona Championship
River Hill 3, Atholton 1
Goals: A- McGowan; RH-Collins 2, Decker.
Assists: A-Markovitz; RH-Varga.
Saves: A-Shuman 5; RH-Levy 7.
