No. 1 CHESHIRE (16-2) vs. No. 2 HAND (16-1-1)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Branford High
Championship game appearances: This is the fourth season the SCC has held a field hockey tournament. Hand has two appearances and won in 2010. Cheshire made appearances the last two seasons and is two-time defending champion. Cheshire defeated Hand 1-0 in the 2012 championship game.
What to look for: This should be an exciting game for fans because not only are these two of the best teams in the New Haven County area but they are two of the top teams in the state. Both teams have talent at every position, prolific scorers and a solid defense. The game will likely come down to a pair of goalies who rank among the best in the state. Cheshire goalie Maddie Levy has nine shutouts, including five of the last six games, and Hand goalie Mel Rennie has 10 shutouts including five of the last seven games. Among the many on-field talented players for the Rams are midfielders Michelle Federico (last season’s Register Area MVP) and Danielle Bellantonio and forwards Emma Farrel and Olivia Larson. Among the top players for Hand are forwards Brenna Hobin and Hannah Leckey (Hand coach Sue Leckey’s daughter), midfielder Erin Mammele and defenders Mackenzie Hilton, Brooke Barrry and Annah Curcio.
You should know: Hand and Cheshire split their two games in the regular season with the Tigers winning 4-1 on Sept. 17 and the Rams winning 4-3 on Oct. 8.
