Eastern Region field hockey semifinals

We expected the first semifinal between perennial state power Cox and Southeastern winner Lakeland to be a close one and it did not disappoint. The Falcons quickly jumped out to a 2-0 first half advantage, thanks to goals from Kiley Allosso and Cara Witte. The Cavaliers sliced the Falcons lead to one early in the second half on a goal by Kaity Byrum. Stephanie DeMasi restored Cox's two goal lead moments later making it 3-1. Lakeland battled back to within a goal late in regulation on a score by Courtney Parmeter, but could not get the equalizer past netminder Elizabeth Frey and a tough Falcons defense, denying the top ranked team in South Hampton Roads a shot at the region finals as their season ends at 18-2.
Semifinal number two featured regular season Beach champs Princess Anne and Peninsula winner Kecoughtan, fresh off a seven goal quarterfinal win Tuesday. The Warriors tried but could not score past netminder Margo Savage and a stingy Cavalier defense. Torrie Jackson's first half goal would be the only marker P.A. needed for the victory. Kecoughtan's season comes to end at 17-2.
Cox (19-2) and Princess Anne (17-2) battle for the region crown Friday at 3pm at the National Training Center. The VHSL Group AAA state tournament begins next Thursday, November 8 with the Eastern champ playing the Northern runner-up at 1pm on field number two at the training center followed by the Eastern runner-up and the Northern champion also on field number two at 3pm. The semifinals take place Friday, November 9 at 1 and 3pm with the final on Saturday, November 10 at 1pm. All games will be played at the training center.