Game MPSSAA Class 2A Field Hockey States of round Round 1

Glenelg and Long Reach faced off in one of the most intense games of the fall sports season. The Gladiators secured a 2-1 win at home against the Lightning, advancing past the 2A state quarterfinal round. Long Reach entered the game on a thrilling offensive showcase. The Lightning scored 66 goals in their prior six games and allowed just one in that span. That momentum carried over into the playoffs. The Lightning scored a season high 16 goals against Oakland Mills in the first round and took care of 5-7 Howard with another double digit win. Samantha Legge ‘26 emptied the tank in her final game for Long Reach, scoring their lone goal and leading the team as she had done all season. The Gladiators powered their way to the end with shutdown second half defense and two critical goals. Kareena Blackwell ‘27 provided the game winner late in the second quarter. The Gladiators and Lightning played a near-identical game to their previous matchup this season. Glenelg secured a close 2-1 win this time, matching their 2-1 win over Long Reach back on Sept. 22. Glenelg has not lost a game against a county opponent since Oct. 2022, when they dropped two games to River Hill in one week. Glenelg allowed 10 goals at home in the last three seasons, including playoff games. Their one allowed to Long Reach was only the fourth home goal allowed all year. The Gladiators allowed three goals during the regular season against county rivals, equal to the number of former players they have on the University of Maryland’s roster this year. Glenelg’s next test is a meeting with Kent Island this week. They will have to avoid repeating their relative struggles against non-conference opponents on the road, after losing two of those three games this season. The Buccaneers are undefeated this season and enter this week with considerable momentum. Through three playoff games, they have scored 34 goals and allowed none. Kent Island has not allowed more than one goal at home in a game since Sept. 11, 2023. Glenelg will travel to Kent Island on Thursday at a currently unannounced time as of Nov. 3.