Things start to get serious this weekend as the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament field is paired down to the Final Four after this weekend's quarterfinal round.
Saturday's winners advance to the semifinals on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The championship game is slated for Saturday, Oct. 22 at neutral site.
I think this year's tourney, the third of its kind since forming in 2009, is the most wide open yet. I just wish all of the tournament games were contested on turf from here on out. I believe the turf would be a great equalizer and field hockey of this caliber should be decided on the best surface for the sport.
It would be very easy to do. Pope John and Hackettstown could each host a pair of quarterfinals. The semifinals could be held at either school and the final at an equal-distance site for the two remaining teams.
Sure is something to consider for next season. Saturday's game will be at the higher seed, meaning three of the four will be on grass. Additionally, six of the remaining eight teams play their home games on grass. Vernon and Warren Hills, which is the lone host with turf this weekend, both play on the artificial stuff at home.
Here's a closer look at this weekend's games. Three of the four quarterfinals are scheduled for Saturday, as the Vernon at Belvidere contest will be played on Friday.
4B-South Hunterdon (8-4) at 1A-High Point (12-0), 4 p.m. -- Long ride for the Eagles to Wantage. Forward Karli Ribsam leads South with 10 goals and has scored seven in her last six games. Eagles recently posted a 1-0 win over a good Bernards team and are playing with confidence. Wildcats were a little lethargic in a 3-1 win over North Hunterdon in the opening round. Look for forwards Nikki Hull (11 goals) and Darby Smith (15 goals) to lead a potent offensive attack.
How they got here: South Hunterdon beat Pope John, 3-2. High Point defeated North Hunterdon, 3-1.
Pick: High Point, 3-1.
3A-Vernon (12-2) at 2B-Belvidere (11-2), 3:30 p.m. -- Vikings have the tables turned on them this week with a long trek to Warren County after hosting Delaware Valley in the opening round. Junior forward Rachel Colvin (16 goals, 9 assists) and senior right wing Melody Prisco (14 goals, 13 assists) have been sensational in the absence of senior forward Kayla Turner-Boss, who is out with a foot injury. Goalie Rhonda Richardsen has posted three straight shutouts. The hosts also have an offensive force with senior forward Tiffany McKenna (23 goals) and goalie Josee Ritter (8 shoutouts) is solid.
How they got here: Vernon beat Delaware Valley, 5-0. Belvidere beat Hackettstown, 1-0 (OT).
Pick: Vernon, 3-2 OT.
4A-Newton (7-3-1) at 1B-Warren Hills (13-1), TBA -- Braves come into this one limping a bit after 1-0 to Hackettstown on Monday and a 2-2 tie at Kittatinny on Thursday. For comparison, Warren Hills beat Hackettstown, 8-0, on opening day. Newton has gotten this far with a solid defense, but forward Melanie Rudio (9 goals, 8 assists) and midfielder Alicia Grotyohann (5 goals) will have to spark the offense in order to pull off what would be a big upset. Blue Streaks are hungry for their first-ever county title and feature senior forward Lindsey Schott (18 goals, 10 assists) and junior midfielder Niki Miller (12 goals).
How they got here: Newton beat Phillipsburg, 3-2. Warren Hills defeated North Warren, 9-0.
Pick: Warren Hills 3-1.
3B-Voorhees (9-2) at 2A-Wallkill Valley, 3 p.m. -- Likely to be the best matchup of the day. Vikings also make a long haul to Hamburg and will have plenty of motivation. Despite being the defending champs, some feel coach Taylor Webb's team is ripe for the picking. Voorhees has reached the county semifinals every year since 2005. Both of these teams are stout on defense and allow few goals. For good reason as Voorhees' Kimmie Pianucci (0.93 save percentage) and Wallkill's Emily Stukenborg (8 shutouts) are two of the best goalies around. Look for this to be a low-scoring affair. First team to two goals wins.
How they got here: Voorhees beat Kittatinny, 2-0. Wallkill Valley defeated Hunterdon Central, 5-1.
Pick: Voorhees 2-1.
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