Every game was a battle and the Washington Field Hockey Association (WFHA) won the tournament in the women’s division and Triangle FHA won in the men’s division.  Delaware FHA placed as runner up for the women’s division, also earning a bid to the National Club Championships in Delaware this summer.  The Men’s competition was not a qualifier as most rosters had men outside of the region, or not qualified.   The dcDragons will earn the bid for the men from Region C and compete in July.

Diego Romero, Mens Golden Stick Winner,  presented to him by USFHL President Kendra Lucking

Katie Pappas from WFHA commented how close the games were and that any team could have won this RCC.  She attributed their RCC Victory to being able to score when it mattered most and dedicated team efforts to practice together before RCCs.  “I've been playing hockey since I could hold a stick. Having the opportunity to play after college means I can keep playing the sport I've loved my whole life. Not only that, through WFHA I've built new friendships with people my own age, which isn't always easy post-college.”  noted Pappas.

Leigh Barratt from Triangle FHL noted the high standard and close matches.  He also commented on how well organized the RCC was, recognition of which goes to Ryan Fleming who organized this pilot RCC which everyone greatly appreciated!

MVP or “Golden Stick” winners for the tournament were voted on by each team captain and the umpire team.   Alexa Hoover from DFHA was selected as the women’s Golden Stick winner and Diego Romero from Triangle FHL won the men’s award.  Alexa and Diego are similar to Katie in that they started field hockey very young.  Diego played in France beginning at age seven in his local club in Nice, and moved to the US to study at Duke at age 18.  He was shocked how hard it was to find local hockey and was so thankful that he found the Triangle adult field hockey community for him to be able to play in the USA.  He really enjoyed the high level of play at the RCC tournament to help keep playing and developing hockey skills.  He said “We adjusted our lineup after losing the first game to capitalize on our small game; quick passes, and playing through the midfield.”  Their strategy paid off and Triangle reversed course and eventually won the tournament.

Alexa began playing young because of a full alternate sport.  Her YMCA soccer program was full, but they had room in field hockey and she joined up.  She fell in love with the sport and has been playing ever since.  Alexa commented “DFHA was able to qualify and earn the NCC bid at this tough RCC because of our chemistry, fight and perseverance as a team.  Most of our games we were losing and we needed to battle back, and the vibe was always positive, even when scored on.  We always felt confident we had the time to answer back.”  

Region D - also known as the Midwest / South US - held its competition two weeks prior at Houston, TX.  The Houston competition had both men’s and women’s divisions.

The competition extended over 2 days in Houston with 2 slots for each division being decided.  The results were close competition and two clubs claiming the slots by Saturday night.  Atlanta FHC was the women's division winner and men’s division runner up, meaning both their teams will be competing for the national championship in July.   Lonestar FHC mirrored Atlanta’s finish and claimed the title in the men’s division, and the runner up slot in the women’s division.  They too will send both their teams to nationals to vie for the championship.