Freshman Tomchik Delivers Key Assists for Broadneck

Courtney Tomchik admits she's still nervous out there, that she's still trying to blend in as a freshman on a Broadneck team in search of a state field hockey title. A few more performances like yesterday's, however, and she won't have much left to prove.

Tomchik assisted on goals by Brittany Colleran and Chelsea Thompson as the fifth-ranked Bruins defeated visiting Chesapeake, 2-0, in a Maryland 4A East Region semifinal.

"As a freshman coming in, it's just about confidence and being comfortable with the older girls," Broadneck Coach Jen Parks said. "She just came in here and has played so well."

Tied for the team lead with eight assists, Tomchik has played a major role in Broadneck returning to the region final for the third straight season -- an impressive feat considering the changes the Bruins have endured since their last appearance.

The Bruins (12-1-1) lost last year's top scorer, Megan Hollerbach, to an offseason knee injury, and lost then-top scorer Lindsay Mitchell midway through this season when she left to attend the North American Hockey Academy in Vermont.

In turn, much of the responsibility fell on the team's three seniors -- Colleran, midfielder Nikki McElwee and goalkeeper Alyssa Cranska -- to help bring along Broadneck's younger contingent.

"We all trust each other, and that's how we get it done," Tomchik said.

Stephanie Thomson finished with eight saves for Chesapeake (10-7), and Broadneck did struggle to find an offensive rhythm for much of the first half. But a penalty corner with about three minutes left in the half helped kick-start matters.

Tomchik inserted the corner, but the pass slowed down considerably in mid-roll, wandering between Colleran and forward Karri Ellen Johnson. Both players immediately broke for the ball, with Colleran corralling it before a defender could poke it away and slapping the ball into the back of the cage for a 1-0 lead.

"I heard Nikki [McElwee] yell, 'Somebody go,' " Colleran said. "I was not letting them take that ball out. I wanted a goal in this game so badly."

No. 5 Broadneck 2 Chesapeake 0 Up Next: Broadneck hosts two-time defending state champion South River tomorrow in the region final. The No. 4 Seahawks knocked the Bruins out of last year's playoffs and handed them their only loss this season. Quiet on This End: Broadneck has allowed just three goals this season.