Welcome back to Beyond the Pitch! This week's topic of discussion is the 6th annual MAX Field Hockey/Longstreth High School Invitational.
Over three action-packed days, 64 teams will battle it out at the Proving Grounds, creating an electric atmosphere filled with top-tier matchups. Playing in this tournament for the past three years has been such a privilege, and every time it has proven to be an outstanding and exceptional experience. The part that is most special about this event is the memories made and the chance to connect with players from around the country. Competing against out-of-state teams, proving who's the best of the best, is a weekend like no other.
This year, my team, Academy of Notre Dame, is gearing up to face two tough competitors: The Kinkaid School (TX) and Christian Academy of Louisville (KY). The Kinkaid game on Friday afternoon is going to be intense, with a combined total of 15 nationally ranked players and 7 USA Junior National Team members facing one another. On Saturday, we are challenged by Christian Academy of Louisville, a top-15 team hungry for a win.
A match-up I think is really important to watch is #5 Oak Knoll School (NJ) vs. the #9 Warwick High School (PA) on Saturday at 9 am. These two teams are looking to repeat their state championship wins from last year. One thing to note is that Oak Knoll was just handed their first loss of the season by #6 Emmaus, coached by the legendary Sue Butz-Stavin, who is in her 50th season of coaching at Emmaus. Plus, each team has 2024 All-Americans, Lily McMahon for Oak Knoll and Karys Craver for Warwick. Another must-watch game is #7 Camden Catholic (NJ) vs. #3 Villa Maria on the VU field at 7 pm on Saturday. Camden Catholic aims to continue its winning streak at the Invitational with four consecutive wins at the event, including last year's victory against FCIAC champions Staples. But do not underestimate Villa, they are loaded with such talented players. Both matchups are worth watching and will definitely not disappoint. Two other teams to look out for are John Burroughs School from Missouri and Smyrna from Delaware. The John Burroughs School (MO) is the first Missouri team ever to come to the tournament and play their first game at the Invitational against Penn Manor (PA). Another team new to the Invitational this year is Smyrna (DE), led by Bree Moffet. They will take on Lakeland (NY) in their first-ever match at the event.
With so many top teams competing, this year’s Invitational promises to be one the most competitive yet. Be sure to follow along!
