Honesdale falls to Valley West in District 2 field hockey championship game

LEHMAN TWP — Honesdale had its dreams of a second straight district championship in field hockey dashed Thursday night.

The Lady Hornets took on Wyoming Valley West at Lake Lehman High School, a team they’d already defeated during the regular season.

Coach Becca Maciejewski’s squad came out with guns blazing, taking an early 1-0 lead. Sadly for local fans who made the 1.5 hour trip, Valley West tallied two late goals en route to a razor-thin 2-1 win.

“This was a great game between two very skilled teams,” an emotionally drained Coach Maciejewski said. “It was a back and forth battle all night. Valley West has a great defense and they pretty much shut down our running game. That was the difference.”

With the loss, Honesdale closes out its 2023 season with an overall record of 14-3-1. Valley West improves to 11-7-0 and will advance to the PIAA state tournament.

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An intense rivalry

Honesdale versus Valley West has developed into one of the very best rivalries in all of District 2 field hockey.

Last year, these same two teams met in the Class AAA final with the Lady Hornets posting an epic 2-1 victory. Three weeks ago, they notched another big win, this time prevailing in OT thanks to an electrifying goal by Roz Maciejewski.

Not surprisingly, Honesdale earned the top spot in this year’s tournament, while Valley West was seeded second. The Lady Hornets punched their ticket to the title tilt with a 5-1 rout of Wilkes Barre and the Spartans advanced via a 4-1 win over Hazleton Area.

That set the stage for what promised to be another low-scoring, physical contest between two evenly-matched squads.

“We knew coming in that Valley West has great defense,” Coach Maciejewski said. “So, we needed to be strong and confident and take shots immediately once we crossed the circle.”

Honesdale wasted no time ramping up its vaunted offensive assault.

Makayla Cobourn fired the opening salvo. A versatile senior who can play any position on the field, Cobourn gave the Lady Hornets a 1-0 lead with :54 remaining in the first period.

“Mak came up clutch for us all season long,” Coach Maciejewski said. “She has a very unique skill set and we love her for that. Mak delivers big plays on offense and defense, especially in big game situations.”

Cobourn’s goal came off an assist from fellow senior Claire Campen. A two-time captain and the all-time scoring leader in program history, Campen attracted double teams throughout the game.

“We fought with all we had tonight,” said Claire, who recorded a hat trick versus Wilkes Barre in the semis. “Valley West has solid sticks. Their defense is extremely tough.”

The Spartans lived up to their reputation the rest of the way, clamping down on elite scorers like Jillian Hoey, Roz Mikulak, Roz Maciejewski, Lily Murray and Alyssa Czekai.

Valley West tied things up midway through the second period thanks to a Chelsea Kolesar goal. Olivia Yelen tallied what proved to be the game-winner with 6:19 left in regulation. Charlotte Yelen recorded a pair of assists.

Tough to say goodbye

Honesdale’s loss Thursday night ends what has inarguably been the most successful run in program history.

Over the course of the past four years, the Lady Hornets have appeared in four straight district championship games and captured a pair of Class AAA crowns.

This year’s squad set a brand new scoring record with more than 100 goals and posted an eye-popping 12 shutouts.

“I’m very proud of this team,” said Coach Maciejewski. “They are the most talented group of girls I’ve ever coached. This was one game that hurts a lot because our time together has ended.“

Campen concurs.

“Tonight was the end of such a special era,” Claire said. “I’m so proud of all the girls, and this team will hold a special place in my heart forever.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale falls to Valley West in District 2 AAA field hockey final