Magic looking to improve in playoffs

Mount St. Joseph did not make the PIAA Class AAA field hockey playoffs last season for the first time in six years. The Magic are back this season and anxious to improve on their best finish, a runner-up spot in 2006 behind Lower Dauphin.

The Mount, the only team from District 1 left in the playoffs, opened this season's state tourney last Tuesday with a dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 win over Lower Dauphin.

They now need a victory Tuesday night over Cocalico to advance to Saturday's state championship game.

Tuesday's semifinals are scheduled to start at 4 p.m. with Hempfield meeting Emmaus at Exeter High near Reading in the first game of a doubleheader. Mount St. Joseph and Cocalico follow at 8.

"Our defense will have to be on," said Lois Weber, who has coached the Magic to an 18-4-1 record. They finished second in District 1.

"Cocalico likes to send the ball," she said. "We don't plan on marking particular players, but we'll have to be aware of them at all times."

Cocalico, the fifth-place team from District 3, pulled a big surprise in the quarterfinals, ousting District 3 champion Hershey, 3-2. The Eagles (20-4) are in the state playoffs for the third time in five years. They were ousted each time by teams from District 1.

"Every team is good at this point," said Eagles coach Krista Page. "We'll just have to tweak things as we go [against Mount St. Joseph]."

Her daughter, Jordan, a senior, is the team's leading scorer with 25 goals. She's planning to play at Syracuse next season. Haley Mitchell, another senior, is the Eagles' goalie. She's headed to Temple.

On offense, the Magic are led by junior twins, Allie and Brooke Sabia. Allie has accounted for 16 goals, one more than Brooke. Senior Kat Matchett will be in goal for the Mount.