Today
Class 3A: No. 4 Severna Park (15-1-2) vs. No. 11 Bel Air (13-4)
Site: UMBC
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Outlook: Both teams took impressive roads to the final. The Falcons knocked out three-time defending state champion River Hill to capture the East Region title; the Bobcats came from behind in the second half to beat Franklin for the North Region title, then defeated Calvert in Wednesday's state semifinal. Severna Park, which won its fourth state title in 2000 competing at the Class 4A level, counts on senior goalkeeper Brooke Shinaberry and a balanced attack up front, led by junior Katie White and Shannon Hadaway. The even years have been particularly good for the Bobcats - they reached the state semifinals in 1996 and 1998 and made it to their first final in 2000 - but they haven't been able to break through for their first state title. Junior midfielder Bethany Peck scored the game-winners in the victories over Franklin (3-2 in overtime) and Calvert (2-1).
Class 4A: No. 2 Perry Hall (14-1-1) vs. Quince Orchard (8-1-1)
Site: UMBC
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Perry Hall comes to the final after an impressive 6-0 rout of Laurel. The Gators, who lost to Thomas Johnson in last year's final, have a stingy and speedy defense that has posted 10 shutouts. They'll win many 50-50 balls, and their speed helps shut down opposing teams. Perry Hall also has lots of offensive firepower, led by players like Lori Carpenter (two goals in the region final against Parkville) and Rachel Mulherin (two goals vs. Laurel). But Quince Orchard also is very strong defensively. Goalie Cathy Flores made 11 saves in the Cougars' upset of No. 1 South River in Thursday's state semifinal. Her saves kept the game tied at 1 through overtime, and Flores made two more big stops in the shootout round that Quince Orchard won, 3-2. The Cougars don't have quite as much offensive punch as Perry Hall, but Brooke Brumby (six goals, four assists) and Brittany Dorsey (six goals, three assists) can make things happen. Both teams are looking for their first state title.