Last week, my colleague Glenn Graham reflected on the soccer season, so, of course, I started thinking about the highlights of field hockey season. Before jumping into the winter season full time, here are the top games that come to mind for me. They ended up being the ones that sorted out the top teams: No. 1 Severna Park, No. 2 Fallston, No. 3 Garrison Forest and No. 4 Broadneck. (The rankings given next are from the day of the game.)

Sept. 13: No. 2 Severna Park 3, No. 5 Fallston 0: The Falcons, who were supposed to be rebuilding, came blasting out of the gate with this impressive victory at Roland Park’s Sally Nyborg Tournament. Ashley Dalisera made eight saves for the Falcons, who fought off a barrage of Cougars penalty corners in the second half.

Sept. 19: No. 5 Fallston 3, No. 1 Garrison Forest 1: In perhaps the strangest turn of events I’ve ever seen in a game, the Cougars’ fine performance was overshadowed as two Grizzlies were taken to the hospital by ambulance during the game. Bayley Mullan was hit in the forehead with a ball and Sarah Krolus suffered a severe asthma attack. Both were released from the hospital later that same day. For the Cougars, Lindsey Puckett had two goals and an assist and Jenn Ward had one of each.

Oct. 20: No. 4 Broadneck 2, No. 1 Severna Park 0: After falling to the Falcons during the regular season, the Bruins claimed a second straight Anne Arundel County title on goals from Lyndsi Jackson and Paige Duncan as well as nine saves from goalie Maddie Koch.

Oct. 30: No. 2 Severna Park 3, No. 1 Broadneck 2 OT: The Bruins' reign didn’t last long, as the Falcons came back to take the Class 3A East region title on Cassie Ballard’s game-winning goal. The Falcons would go on to outscore their two state tournament opponents, 10-0, for their 18th crown.

Nov. 2: No. 4 Garrison Forest 4, No. 11 Archbishop Spalding 0: Fully loaded, the Grizzlies rolled to their second straight Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference title. The Grizzlies posted their 18th shutout in 20 games.

Nov. 8: No. 2 Fallston 4, Atholton 3: In a thriller full of strategy and outstanding scoring plays on both sides, the Cougars got the game winner from Krissy Fusco for their 11th state title.
--Katherine Dunn