The Coastal Conference, locally known as “the group of death” and possibly the toughest league in the state, kicks off its tournament Tuesday. How strong is it? Kellam didn’t lose a conference match yet finish second in the standings.
Cox’s regular season conference crown has already clinched them a berth in the 6A South Region tournament. If the Falcons win Tuesday, the winner of Kellam-First Colonial automatically earns a berth in the region tournament. If Landstown beats Cox, the Kellam-First Colonial winner will play the Eagles on Thursday for the other region berth.
Seeds (Coastal Conference record):
- Cox (5-0-1)
- Kellam (4-0-2)
- First Colonial (4-1-1)
- Landstown (3-3)
Matchups
1. Cox vs. 4. Landstown, Tuesday at Sportsplex
Cox won the regular season match 4-0 behind an attack led by sisters Ryanne and Alex Davidson and a masterful performance in net from sophomore Maddie Arndt. The Eagles caught the Falcons in the midst of their torrid run through conference play. Cox outscored conference foes 23-6 in seven games, while Landstown finished with a 9-8 margin. It will be tough for Landstown to match Cox in a shootout. The Eagles’ defense needs to limit the Davidson sisters from exploiting space and try to crack an equally impressive Falcons defense.
2. Kellam vs. 3. First Colonial, Tuesday at Sportsplex
The regular season matchup ended in a 0-0 tie. Kellam’s defense was the only unit all season to shutout First Colonial’s explosive offense, which averaged 4.4 goals per game. The Knights, having allowed just two goals in seven conference games, would like to repeat that feat and find some offensive rhythm to put away a Patriots group that has allowed just four goals in its past 10 games. Knights midfielder Talia Tapper has been as clutch as anyone in the final minutes of tight games. It may take only one goal to decide the winner.
Atlantic Conference seeds:
- Maury (7-0)
- Princess Anne (6-1)
- Hickory (5-2)
- Salem (4-3)
Matchups
1. Maury vs. 4. Salem, Tuesday at Powhatan Field
Maury cruised to an 8-0 victory in its regular season match against Salem. The SunDevils will need a major turnaround performance to upset a dominant Commodores group that has outscored conference foes 36-1 in seven wins.
2. Princess Anne vs. 3. Hickory, Tuesday at Powhatan Field
If Thursday’s regular season finale was a precursor, expect another nail-biting finish to this rematch on Tuesday. Following their conference-opening loss to Maury, the Cavaliers closed league play on a 5-0-1 streak by outscoring opponents 25-1. The winner gets an automatic berth in the 5A South Region tournament if Maury defeats Salem.
