2 field hockey powers face big games

The Inquirer's Nos. 2- and 5-ranked field hockey teams swing into action this weekend in season-opening games that are meaningful.

No. 5 Glassboro is set to host Salem at 4 p.m. today in a Tri-County Conference Classic Division game that could have title implications.

At 11 a.m. tomorrow, Oak Knoll hosts No. 2 Shawnee in a game that could set the tone for the balance of the season for both teams.

Salem is the defending division champion. Glassboro, the three-time Diamond Division and South Jersey Group 1 titlist, has moved into the neighborhood. Both teams are used to being division leaders.

"They want to be the first to knock us off," Glassboro coach Gloria Byard said.

Shawnee defeated Oak Knoll, 3-0, to win the Tournament of Champions on Nov. 18 at the College of New Jersey.

Oak Knoll was the first New Jersey team to beat Eastern, ranked No. 1 by The Inquirer, in nine years with a 3-2 overtime win in a TOC semifinal.

"We'll have to play Shawnee field hockey to win," Shawnee goalie Briana Pereira said.