By Dave O’Sullivan Publisher On Friday, Sept. 20, the South Jersey field hockey world was turned upside down. That’s when Mainland Regional edged Ocean City 2-1 – the first time the Mustangs had beaten the Red Raiders since 1993. It was a turning point in the direction of each program. Ocean City had spent years dominating local competition. The Red Raiders own 12 South Jersey Group III titles in the last 15 years, including five of the last six. They went 21-1 last season, nary breaking a sweat in winning their 11th sectional title. But after the loss to Mainland, suddenly they were vulnerable. The mystique they had spent a decade and a half building was on shaky ground. 
Senior captain Sydney Losco helped lead Mainland to one of its most successful seasons, which included 16 wins and a berth in the sectional championship game against Ocean City. “I think it helped us for the better and shaped us into the team we are and have become. We are hoping to work off of what we have done and keep winning.” For Mainland, the loss in their first sectional final since 1998 was a bitter pill to swallow, but senior captain Sydney Losco said the Mustangs have no reason to hang their heads. “This season definitely puts us on the map. I think getting this far and being 1-0 to Ocean City is a great start for our program,” Losco said. “Next year, I think (Mainland) can be even better. There is a lot of potential on this team. “My favorite point of this season was beating Ocean City that first time. I think that was the turning point in our season, just proving that we are a great team. (The sectional final) was a great way for me to finish off my career, with these girls, we connected. I would never take it back.” Contact Dave O’Sullivan: sully@acglorydays.com; on Twitter @GDsullysays.
Two field hockey teams come of age in their own ways
