Wed. S.J. girls’ roundup: Millville ousts second seed

Carley Mease jumped on a botched clearing attempt and tapped in the go-ahead goal with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, as No. 7 seed Millville upset second-seeded Southern Regional, 2-1, on Wednesday in a South Jersey Group 4 field hockey quarterfinal.

The teams traded goals less than a minute apart early in the second half, with the Thunderbolts' Corrine Etter opening the scoring with 22 minutes, 46 seconds to go.

On the deciding play, Millville's Devon Springsteadah sent a pass into the circle that eluded the Southern goalie, who charged out of her cage in an attempt to clear. The ball found its way to Mease, who was in position to push it over the line.

Next up for Millville is a visit to third-seeded Clearview for a semifinal match on Friday.

In other South Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals:

Keli Margiotta scored two of her three goals in the first half and added a pair of assists, sparking fifth-seeded Washington Township to a 6-1 win at fourth-seeded Egg Harbor Township.

Lindsey Hatch also had a hat trick in support of netminder Chelsea Holland (seven saves), who was perfect after yielding a first-half goal by the Eagles' Katie Champion. Egg Harbor Township goalie Paige McElhenny was credited with 25 saves.

Next up for the Minutemaids is a visit to top-seeded Eastern for a semifinal match on Saturday.

The Vikings (21-0) saw senior forward Cori Allen turn in her first four-goal game of the season, freshman forward Jade Dixon contribute a first-half hat trick and junior goalie Alana Barry register her 18th shutout of the season in an 8-0 romp past eighth-seeded Oakcrest.

South Jersey Group 3. Top-seeded Ocean City shifted its attack into high gear in the second half, scoring four times after intermission to pull away from eighth-seeded Seneca, 6-0, in a quarterfinal.

Ali Stever had three goals and an assist while Jenn Staab contributed a goal and two assists, backing the shutout goaltending of Katie Johnson (six saves).

The Red Raiders (19-0) will host fourth-seeded Hammonton in Friday's semifinal match.

Hammonton rode a goal by Alyssa Paradiso and 10 saves by Jess Sochocky to a 1-0 win over fifth-seeded Pinelands.

Junior left wing Emily Lewis scored twice over an eight-minute span late in the first half, putting third-seeded Kingsway on track for a 2-0 quarterfinal triumph over sixth-seeded Lacey Township.

Center forward Brianna Villari assisted on both goals, and fellow senior Becca May made two saves in recording the shutout.

The Dragons (12-3-1) move on to Friday's semifinals at No. 2 seed Central Regional, which advanced with a 1-0 victory over seventh-seeded Delsea.

South Jersey Group 1. Megan DeMarco's seventh hat trick of the season gave the senior forward 42 goals, and sophomore goalie Becky Boffo made seven saves in earning her 12th shutout, leading top-ranked St. Joseph to a 5-0 victory over fourth-seeded Salem.

Molly Mullee and Emily DeMarco - with an assist from big sister Megan - rounded out the scoring for the Wildcats (21-0).

Central Jersey Group 4. Brynn Gitt had a hat trick, including the first two goals of the game, as second-seeded Rancocas Valley jumped on top early and cruised past seventh-seeded Toms River North, 5-1, in a quarterfinal.

Liz Johnson and Kirstin Knodt each added a goal and Amanda Johnson contributed a pair of assists for the Red Devils.

Lenape captured its third consecutive Olympic Conference American Division title by thumping host Winslow Township, 6-0.

Emmy Duffey (three goals) and Advia Campbell (two goals) powered the offense, while Allison Johnson and Caroline Huelster split time in the nets for the Indians (8-1-2 division).

Amanda Myers recorded three kills and three aces, Mimi Cook had three kills and Gabby Kulikowski came up with four digs as second-seeded Williamstown swept No. 15 seed Rancocas Valley, 25-11 and 25-17, in the opening round of the South Jersey Group 4 tournament.

The Braves (27-2) will host a quarterfinal match on Friday.

State Non-Public. Paulene Mole and Natalie DiCarlo combined to serve 20 aces and Casey Lynch added six kills, as 11th-seeded Gloucester Catholic breezed past No. 22 seed St. Vincent, 25-6 and 25-16.

The Rams move on to Friday's second round, when they'll visit sixth-seeded Mount St. Dominic.

Our Lady of Mercy, seeded 12th, also advanced with a 2-0 win over No. 21 seed St. Mary's of Rutherford.