Falcons Clinch Region Title, Fall Short At States

By Amy Russell
The Severna Park High School field hockey team fell 4-1 in a devastating loss to Westminster in the state semifinal game at Franklin High School, shutting them out of the title game for the first time in seven years.
Westminster opened the scoring, but the Falcons’

Hannah Miller answered back late in the first half to tie at one. In the second half, Westminster exploded with three unanswered goals despite a strong, consistent effort from the Falcons.
“I’m really proud of my girls for everything they’ve done this season. Not everyone gets to the state semifinals,” head coach Lillian Shelton said afterward. “One loss doesn’t make it an unsuccessful season. It’s successful whether or not this game was won or lost. Our girls did everything we asked them to do.”
The Falcons made an impressive drive to the state semifinals. Following a first round bye, they beat Annapolis, 5-1, and then dominated Leonardtown offensively in the region semifinals, 8-0, their eighth shutout of the season. In the region final against local rival South River, the Falcons eked out a thrilling 2-1 win, their second over the Seahawks this season.
They finished undefeated in county play, 11-0, and 16-2-1 overall. The Falcons only other loss this season came to Glenelg High School in the District V Championship; the Falcons tied Severn School earlier in the season.
“I think the worst part about losing this game is the fact we won’t come back and play together tomorrow,” Falcon assistant coach Anne Andrews said after the disappointing loss to Westminster. “We love these girls. We genuinely love going out to practice everyday and I know these girls do too. I don’t think the loss would be as hard if it wasn’t for the fact that it means the season is over, and the girls are going to miss playing together everyday. Regardless, they did a great job, they are a great group and we are really proud of our girls.”
The Falcons won the state title the last five years, six of seven since 2003. Westminster, who the Falcons beat in the state final game last year, went on to take this year’s title with a 5-4 overtime win against Dulaney High School.
“We love our girls,” Shelton added. “It was a fun season.”