There will be a new Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland B Conference champion this fall. Glenelg Country School, the defending champion, was knocked out of the playoffs by Maryvale, 3-1, in the semifinal round Thursday.
It was the third year in a row that the two teams have met in the semifinals. Glenelg Country won, 2-0, in 1v1 overtime in 2009 and 1-0 in regulation in 2010.
But this fall, the Dragons couldn't stop undefeated Maryvale.
Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities in the semifinal, said Dragon coach Jessica McAdams. Maryvale had nine offensive penalty corners; Glenelg Country had eight.
It was one of those corners that helped the Dragons prevent being shut out by a conference opponent for the first time since early in the season. Sophomore midfielder Mallory Pappas inserted the ball to senior forward Allie Pickens who hit a hard shot to the near post. After her insertion, Pappas had moved to the post. When the ball came her way, she slammed it into the cage.
Pickens, Pappas and junior midfielders Nicole Rieu and Amy Keth had outstanding games against Maryvale. Keeper Sarah Bates turned aside 16 shots.
The Dragons graduate just two seniors - one is a starter - so they will return much the same team in 2012.
Maryvale 3, Glenelg Country 1
Goals: M - Fuggi, Carrol, not available. GCS - Mallory Pappas.
Assists: GCS - Allie Pickens.
Saves: M - Lago 1. GCS - Sarah Bates 16.
Halftime: Maryvale, 1-0.