The stage is set for all the thrills and drama to unfold at Cumberland Valley High School, where three field hockey programs will be crowned 2022 state champions.
Here’s what we know about Class 1A:
It’s the first time that both Boiling Springs and Wyoming Area have made it to the finale. Either way, the single A Class, which was added in 2016 to the existing AA and AAA classes, will see a first-time gold medalist. Both programs are going to be gunning for a win until the end.
Date: November 19
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Cumberland Valley High School
Tickets: All tickets must be purchased online.
*Rankings do not include Pennsylvania postseason playoff game.
1A
Boiling Springs (25-0)
District 3
Ranking: No. 20 in Pennsylvania, MAX Field Hockey
Head Coach: Kortney Showers
Team: Shae Bennett, Lexi Boyle, Alex Bandura, Kate Yenser, Kylie Rife, Reese Hays, Zoe Collins, Olivia Heyman, Tess Naylor, Alexa Brown, Lexi Hanlin, Jenah Hovis, Haley Lenker, Genna Bush, Reagan Eickhoff, Alliyah Rounce, Eva Hancock, Katie Yanity
How they got here: The Bubblers’ formation constantly adjusts to their opponent’s. Offensively, they scored 126 goals in the regular season. And, defensively, the backs barely allowed goalie Eva Hancock the opportunity to defend her cage. Hancock didn’t see action until Boiling Springs played Greenwood. She only allowed one goal to be scored, but then one more score each was accomplished by Susquehanna Twp and Bishop McDevitt. After finishing its regular season undefeated, the streak continued into the postseason. The Bubblers, who only allowed one more goal to be scored on them, went on to win the District 3 Class 1A title. As the season progressed, the final games were much tighter in terms of scoring. The Bubblers won their quarterfinals game against Newport 1-0. And, then won 1-0 in overtime against Central Columbia to advance to the championship finale.
Player to watch: Reagan Eickhoff
Eickhoff’s senior year was a showcase of her field hockey skills, as well as her maturity. There’s never a question whether she’s working. She’s constantly positioning, assisting, or shooting. Don’t be surprised if Eickhoff is heavily marked once inside the circle.
Comments:
“Heather (Eickhoff), Janelle (Howard), and I were just talking about how nice it is to be able to predict the end like this. We knew today was our last practice and we know regardless (Saturday) is our last game. Up until this point, we have just been on eggshells because any game could have been our last. There’re obviously anxious feelings going into it, but also a calm knowing this is it. And the girls know they’re going to fight harder than they ever have before because they’ve made it this far.” Coach Kortney Showers
“This moment is so surreal. I haven’t fully processed the district title quite yet, so to be playing in the state championship is insane. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls and the amount of support we’ve been receiving is so appreciated. 90 days ago, marked the beginning of our historic season. It’s crazy to believe how far we’ve come. I’m so excited, yet sad to be taking the field with my girls one last time. It’s been an honor to rep purple and gold the past six years.” Shae Bennett, captain
“As a team, we are ready for (Saturday). Our time is not done yet, and we have one more thing to prove. Personally, I feel really good knowing I have all my teammates alongside me (Saturday). Whatever we do, we will do it together.” Reagan Eickhoff, captain
“I’m so excited to play my last Bubbler field hockey game (Saturday). Having the opportunity to play in the state championship game means so much to this team. We have worked all season to be in this game and I have no doubt in my mind that we will fight for gold. Knowing this is our last game of the season just gives us so much energy to go out on that field and give it our all.” Genna Bush, captain
Wyoming Area (22-2)
District 2
Ranking: No. 12 in Pennsylvania, MAX Field Hockey
Head Coach: Bree Bednarski
Team: Ella McKernan, Samara Campenni, Bianca Pizano, Krea Bonita, Lucia Campenni, Karamia Marranca, Lyla Rehill, Ainsley Flynn, Juliana Gonzales, Torin Smith, Alexys Moore, Nina Angeli, Sydney Baynes, Mia Piccolino, Addyson Dragwa, Kady Puterbaugh, Alyvia Yatsko, Andie Belles, Rylee Muniz
How they got here: The Lady Warriors are District 2 Class 1A champs. They have a brick wall in the defensive back line, which helped the team earn 16 shutouts in 2022. They defeated Bishop McDevitt 1-0, West Perry 4-1, and Oley Valley 3-2 to end up in the championship round.
Player to watch: Lyla Rehill
Rehill, a sophomore, has been known to set her stick ablaze. She’s one of the Lady Warriors’ more dangerous scorers. Expect to see Boiling Springs try to keep the ball away from her. And shutdown passing lanes around her.
Comments:
“This was the first year that Wyoming Area won the PIAA D2A Districts. This is also the first time that Wyoming Area Field Hockey has made it to the State Finals. This group of girls are so hard working and dedicated that they have earned a spot in this Final game. My assistant, Coach Lexi Crossley, and I are so proud of these girls and can’t wait to watch them play. This means a lot to Lexi Crossley and myself because we both played field hockey at Wyoming Area and it’s so great to see how far the program has come. The Wyoming Area family has made this experience for the girls so memorable and have been so supportive that the girls are ready to give it their all in this last game of the season. This game is very important to the team and we couldn’t be more excited to play (Saturday).” Coach Bree Bednarski
“Wyoming Area going to the state final is absolutely insane. To make history twice this year in the program is also crazy. It is something I have always dreamed of doing and being able to make it happen my senior year is something I am so unbelievably proud of. Being apart of this team has been nothing but an honor. We have all worked so hard for this and to see it all payoff is an unmatched feeling. Being here means the world to me and I am so ecstatic.” Bianca Pizano, captain
*This story has been updated to reflect additional comments made by Wyoming Area.
