YORK, Pa. — The goal every year for high school sports teams across the state is to be the last one standing and raise a championship trophy.
District III field hockey has been strong for years. You have to go all the way back to 2010 to find the last time a team from this area didn't win a state title, and if you think that’s impressive, the 2022 field hockey championships set the bar high after District III teams swept all three classifications, A, AA and AAA.
In those PIAA Championships, five of the six teams where from District III before sweeping the titles in A with Boiling Springs, AA with Mechanicsburg and AAA with Lower Dauphin.
There's a chance of that happening two years in a row. This year, seven of the eight in the PIAA Semifinals were District III.
Now, it’s down to three grinding it out for a championship.
“Every group is different. So, it’s different for them and this is a great opportunity for them. It’s a strong district, we’re proud of it and glad to be representing," said Kent Harshman, Palmyra's head coach.
For 12-straight years at least one District III team has won a state title, dating back to 2011.
“We’ve always been one of the strongest in the state and I’m glad to be a part of it and being one of the teams that’s still in it. It’s really awesome for us and for the league and district," said Jessica Shellenberger, Manheim Township's head coach.
Shellenberger lead two Donegal High School field hockey teams to a state title in 2016 and 2018.
The Blue Streaks are entering uncharted territory. The school is making its first ever state final appearance. The players’ hard work is paying off.
“Even before school started, we were up at 5 a.m doing practices and running. We definitely put in every minute of the day for this moment right now," Calli Campagna, a Manheim Township senior.
“I just think our kids are in the zone. They are on a mission and I’m so, so proud of them. This is uncharted territory for our field hockey team but these girls look like seasoned vets. They are confident, they are executing, they’re doing it as a unit. I just couldn’t be more excited and proud," said Shellenberger.
Teams are hungry for dominance and that’s what propels teams deep into the season. A state title is always the goal and it helps when your competition, every game throughout the season, is a top-notch opponent.
“It’s very competitive. There’s a lot of great teams, skilled players and it’s only going to make us better," said Keely Bowers, Palmyra's senior forward.
Palmyra is making back-to-back state championship appearances. This is their eighth trip in 10 years.
“I’m so excited because I remember this moment last year. Especially in the state championship. I knew my senior year, I wanted to come back to the state championship and win the gold," said Liv Gain, Palmyra's senior midfielder.
Once again, on Saturday, each field hockey championship game has a District III team represented: A Championship - Oley valley, AA Championship - Palmyra, and Manheim Township in the AAA Championship.