Amid the hoopla of homecoming weekend, Glenelg's girls soccer and field hockey teams, both unbeaten in the county, face stern challenges tomorrow when they play host to undefeated league rivals.
The Gladiators' sixth-ranked soccer team, off to its best county start in coach Mike Williams' eight seasons, faces top-ranked River Hill (8-0 overall, 3-0 league). Glenelg (7-1, 4-0) has never beaten the Hawks, losing twice by 2-1 and twice by 3-1.
A few yards down a hill from the soccer field, Glenelg's sixth-ranked field hockey team takes on 12th-ranked Centennial (6-1, 4-0) for sole possession of first place. The Gladiators (8-1, 4-0) beat the Eagles, 3-2, in the championship of the Centennial Tournament last month.
The soccer game between the two defending state champions - River Hill in Class 3A and Glenelg in Class 1A - will feature speed up top and strong defenses. The Hawks, who have won 16 straight games and 26 of their past 27, have allowed only three goals and had five shutouts this season. Glenelg has allowed six goals - two in its past five games - and registered three shutouts.
"It's going to be a tough game," said River Hill coach Joan Smedley Kelso. "Glenelg is playing well."
Williams said the game represents "a chance to compete for the county title for the first time. It's a great opportunity."
Williams called playing at home "a tradeoff."
"Playing at home is an advantage," Williams said, "but playing on a narrow field against Megan Buescher's throw-ins makes it a negative."
Buescher, River Hill's sophomore defender, has the longest throw-in by a girl in the county, and on Glenelg's field she won't have any difficulty putting the ball in front of the goal.
That will be a challenge for Glenelg goalie Lauren Koutrelakos, the 5-foot senior playing the position for the first time this season. Williams put Koutrelakos in goal because of her athleticism and competitiveness, and so far she's held her ground.
"She's played well and has gotten better each game," said Williams.
Defenders Bryn Buckler, Erin Edell and Amy Knell have played well in front of Koutrelakos. Offensively, Jen Fields and Katie Kirley each have eight goals, and Lindsay Lewis has played very well controlling the defensive middle.
Shannon Jackson, who leads the Hawks with seven goals and six assists, said her team is playing well as a unit. "We're understanding how each other plays, and we're getting stronger every game," Jackson said.
River Hill's defense is anchored by sweeper Kelsey Cronin, who injured her knee against Wilde Lake on Tuesday and is questionable tomorrow, and marking backs Samatha Goertler and Buescher. Forward Rashida Walcott creates problems with her speed, and Maria Masciantonio has done a nice job from an ankle injury.
Glenelg's field hockey team has experience, speed and a strong defense. The Gladiators start 10 seniors - four are three-year starters and five are two-year starters - and their defense has allowed only three goals and posted seven shutouts.
And their speed and strong stick work allows the Gladiators to move the ball effectively.
"They're fast and they push through," said River Hill coach Shelley Chamness. "They find the way to keep going forward."
Said Glenelg forward Shannon Emerson: "We keep learning each game. Our passing has gotten a lot stronger. We're not a hit and run team anymore. We're a passing team."
Centennial's defense has registered three shutouts in the past four games, including a 1-0 victory Tuesday over Mount Hebron.
"We're definitely the underdog in this game," said Centennial coach Gail Purcell. "We have to play great hockey."
Field hockey
Mount Hebron's Cindy Nicolaus needed eight stitches to close two cuts near her left eye after being hit with a stick by Centennial's Laura Angle in Tuesday's hard-fought 1-0 Eagles victory. Nicolaus could be out two weeks. Angle was given a red card for a dangerous swing but will not have to miss a game.
After losing its first three county games, two in overtime, Howard defeated Oakland Mills, 4-0, on Tuesday behind two goals from Sophie Dress.
Wilde Lake, which was winless in its first six games, won consecutive county games this week to even its league mark at 2-2. The Wildecats beat Howard in overtime and shut out Atholton, 3-0.
