Eastern’s sectional streak reaches a dozen

The game ended, another championship was secured, and all that was missing was an outward celebration for Eastern's field hockey team.

The Vikings had beaten visiting Clearview, 10-2, Tuesday to win the South Jersey Group 4 championship, and the reaction by the players consisted of nothing more than a few smiles.

While this was the 12th consecutive sectional title for Eastern, it was a new experience for many members of this young, but talented team. The Vikings' starting lineup includes just two seniors and two juniors, the rest being sophomores and freshmen.

It hasn't stopped The Inquirer's No. 1 South Jersey team from going 23-0, but at Eastern, celebrations are usually reserved for the final game of the season.

So shortly after the win, the Vikings were thinking more of Thursday's state semifinal game against Shawnee at a field to be determined rather than their impressive win over a talented Clearview team.

"We are excited to win this championship, but we're not ready to stop here," said Eastern senior Corinne Allen, who along with classmate Brittany Evangelisti are headed for the University of Iowa. "We know there is still work to do."

Allen did plenty of work. She contributed seven assists, and even by Eastern's standards, that is some serious dishing.

Freshman Jade Dixon and sophomore Carly Celkos each had three goals, and Evangelisti added two. Junior Julia Osisek and freshman Kasey Morano each scored once.

An experienced hand such as Allen concedes that she has felt like a mentor to many of the young Eastern players.

"I don't know if the young players truly understand what it's all about at this stage, but they've been playing great," Allen said.

Despite the record, not everything has been smooth for the Vikings. They needed a last-second goal from Morano to defeat Washington Township, 4-3, in Saturday's semifinals. Still, this is a team that continues to win while it learns.

"Their skills are beyond amazing," said Clearview senior Jessica Loizeaux, a Virginia lacrosse recruit who scored the Pioneers' first goal. "I've never seen a team that controls the ball like them."

Clearview   1 1 – 2

Eastern   5 5 – 10

Goals: E-Julia Osisek, Jade Dixon 3, Carly Celkos 3, Brittany Evangelisti 2, Kasey Morano; C-Jessica Loizeaux, Jessica Hopkins.

Saves: C-Alyssa Wileczek 17; E-Alana Barry 5.