By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City High School field hockey team defeated visiting Clearview Regional, 2-1, on Friday to advance to the Group 3 South final.
Scoring for the Red Raiders were seniors Carly Hanin and Racheli Levy-Smith with one goal each, while junior Andi Helphenstine dished out assists on both.
In what was a hotly contested back and forth contest, Ocean City was able to use two goals in the opening quarter of play to create a big enough cushion to win the game.
Both teams went scoreless for the remaining two quarters of play, with heated action in the midfield as both sides battled for possession.
Clearview received multiple penalty cards and had to play shorthanded for much of the fourth quarter. Ocean City’s players were able to keep their heads and wits about them, maintaining their composure to win the game.
The win advances Ocean City to the title game on Tuesday afternoon against familiar Group 3 foe Moorestown. Ocean City often plays Moorestown in a multitude of sports because both schools are powerhouses in the same group.
With the exception of last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ocean City has played for a group title every year under the tutelage of Head Coach Kelsey Burke.
Burke, who is in her fifth year at the helm of the storied field hockey program, was proud of how her team fought Friday.
“I thought we came out strong and we definitely dominated the first half. Second half was a bit more back and forth,” Burke said post game.
With the Group 3 final just a few days away, Burke said there is still work to do.
“I would like to see us capitalize on our opportunities a bit more as we drew 14 corners and only surrendered four today,” she said.
But overall there is excitement and anticipation for the upcoming championship.
“We are excited. It will be a great game with two historically successful programs,” Burke said.
The top-seeded Red Raiders will take on the Moorestown Quakers, who enter the tournament as the second seed, Tuesday at 2 p.m., at Carey Stadium in Ocean City.
