Okay. Let’s start with the most controversial game of the day, No. 3 Mamaroneck at No. 2 Arlington.

Mamaroneck prevailed, 2-1 as Joanna Lyons scored on a second-half penalty corner. Now, I watched the video of the penalty corner on YouTube and it appears that the ball went in off of Lyons’ shin. You can see that the Alrington girls immediately ran over to the official to contest the goal.

Now, my question is this, Can anyone who was in attendence at this game today actually give us an unbiased opinion? I understand the Arlington fans will say the goal should have been disallowed, which is understandable. And I am sure the Mamaroneck parents will say that the goal should have counted. So, I’m in search of one unbiased individual concerning this.

No. 1 Lakeland 4, No. 5 John Jay-East Fishkill 0: This result goes to show you what I know. I honestly thought this game would come down to strokes. So, superb center mid Caitlin Collins scores twice and Chelsea Robinson and Megan Bozek also scored. Lakeland will now host No. 2 Mamaroneck in the Class A title game 5 p.m. Saturday at Lakeland. This will mark the third time in the last four years that the teams will play in the final. Mamaroneck won the 2004 title game and Lakeland rebounded to win last year.

Class B

No. 3 Putnam Valley 2, No. 2 Somers 1: Putnam Valley junior Megan Warning continued her scoring binge, netting Put Valley’s goals in the first half. Caitlin Ward scored for Somers. Putnam Valley will play top-seeded Rye in the Class B final Saturday, 3 p.m. at Lakeland. This marks the fifth consecutive year the teams will play for the title.

Despite the loss, congratulations to Somers’ coach Leigh Fiorito and her team, especially Lizzy Russo and Amanda Heyde, for an outstanding season.

No. 1 Rye 6, No. 4 Briarcliff 0: Alyssa Coughlan and Marielle Bianchi had two goals apiece and Lucy Rollins collected three assists as the Garnets’ experience won out.

A shout out goes to Briarcliff and coach Kelly Adams, who played four freshmen in prominent roles this season and yet the Bears still collected 14 wins and advanced to the sectional semifinals.

I usually try to avoid predicting games because of the danger associated with it. If I anger one team, the players do have the right to smack me over the head with their stick. So, what I should probably do is wear a football helmet to whatever game I would cover for my own safety or ask the AD to provide me with a security officer. Or, maybe throw a wig on and come incognito.

With that said, here is what I think about Wednesday’s semis:

Class A

No. 5 John Jay-East Fishkill at No. 1 Lakeland: I don’t think JJEF coach Barb Deppe and Lakeland coach Sharon Sarsen would agree with me, but this is one of the most highly-anticipated sectional matchups each year. It is always a great regular-season game and it is even better in the semis where these teams annually are. Lakeland needed two second-half goals to overcome John Jay in early September. I look for another close game. Two outstanding coaches with two outstanding teams. It is too close to call. Forgive me coaches, but I see this coming down to strokes.

No. 3 Mamaroneck at No. 2 Arlington: If I remember correctly, this will be the fourth consecutive year the teams have met in the semis, with Mamaroneck winning all three. Arlington defeated Mamaroneck, 2-0 during the regular season. However, I know Mamaroneck coach John Savage has been devising a strategy since then, knowing full well he would play Arlington again. Arlington has had an excellent season and is an offensive force. I don’t see Savage losing to the same team twice in one season so I go with Mamaroneck.

Class B

No. 4 Briarcliff at No. 1 Rye: Each year Briarcliff coach Kelly Adams and her girls have to face Rye and each year, the Garnets find a way to eliminate the pesky Bears. Briarcliff has surprised even Adams this season with four freshmen starting and their 14 wins. Experience wins out though, with Rye advancing to yet another sectional final.

No. 3 Putnam Valley at No. 2 Somers: Another outstanding game featuring Putnam Valley’s outstanding defensive quartet of Brittany Kinsley, Kristin Brown, Sara Kastuk and Nicole Scott taking on Somers’ high-flying forward Lizzy Russo. This will be the difference in the game. Putnam Valley’s defense has been playing at such an elite level after blanking Mamaroneck last week and holding Rye to just one goal (scored with 3 minutes left in the game) two games earlier. Putnam Valley’s offense will find it difficult trying to crack Somers’ goalie Amanda Heyde, who has been phenomenal this season.

Now that I have angered players, coaches and parents, I am going to revise my will.

When I got home from work Monday I totally forgot to post Monday’s quarter-final results. Apparently, this angered Pugle1, who is from Dutchess County and also an Arlington booster. However, this individual took an unnecessary swipe at highly-respected Carmel coach Colette Brenneman.

Let me say this for everyone, if you want to question me or rip me, that’s one thing because this is my field hockey blog, BUT leave negatyive comments about players, coaches and teams out of it!

Now in regards to Monday:

No. 2 Somers 2, No. 10 Dover 0: Lizzy Russo continued her outstanding season with a pair of second-half goals as the Tuskers dispatched the upset-minded Dragons. Somers will host No. 3 Putnam Valley in a Class B semifinal on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m.

Second-seeded Arlington defeated 10th-seeded Carmel, 4-0. This sets up yet another Class A semifinal between Arlington and third-seeded Mamaroneck. The Tigers have eliminated the Admirals in the semis the past three years.

Fifth-seeded John Jay-East Fishkill, behind three Anna Ausanio assists, knocked out fourth-seeded North Rockland. The Patriots travel to top-seeded Lakeland on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. When these teams meet it is always a good game, especially in sectionals.

Tuesday

No. 5 Pawling 2, No. 4 Valhalla 1: Sami Jorgenson and Alex Petti scored goals 1:57 apart in the second half to overcome a strong defensive effort by Valhalla. The Vikings closed to 2-1 on a Marissa Cassinelli goal with four minutes remaining. Pawling and coach June Lagan, the former Mahopac great, will meet up with top-seeded Bronxville and Lagan’s good friend, coach Courtnie Egan, in a semifinal Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Bronxville beat Pawling in a semifinal last year.

The other Class C semi pits No. 3 Hastings and impending father-to-be, coach Bob McCann, at No. 2 Pleasantville and coach Rosemary Sotherden, one of Section 1’s finest and classiest coaches.

Four games were played Saturday while the other three were postponed until Monday. Let;s take a look at the four results:

Class B

No. 3 Putnam Valley 6, No. 6 Brewster 0: The Tigers jumped on the Bears early and often, scoring three goals in the first 11:08, and were never in danger. Megan Warning had a hand in these three goals, assisting on Katie Mazin’s opening goal at 3:48. Warning, assisted by Erica Fisher, doubled the lead at 8:30, and then added her second goal at the 11:08 mark. While Brittany Kinsley and Ashley Morgan are known throughout Section 1 as two of the finest at their respective positions, Warning has quietly had an outstanding season. Warning leads Putnam Valley with 20 goals. Putnam Valley will play the winner of No. 7 Dover-No. 2 Somers (this quarter will be Monday at 2:30 p.m.) in a semifinal Wednesday.

No. 1 Rye 3, No. 8 Sleepy Hollow 0: Liz Chabot scored with seven minutes remaining in the first half, then added a second goal two minutes later. Marielle Bianchi added a second-half tally. Sleepy Hollow goalie Emily MacDonald made 19 saves. Rye will host Kelly Adams and her fourth-seeded Briarcliff team in a semi Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Class A

No. 1 Lakeland 2, No. 8 Suffern 0: If I told you that neither Chelsea Robinson, Caitlin Collins or Cassie O’Mara scored would you believe that Lakeland won? Hard to imagine, but Gillian Murdock scored a first-half goal and Megan Bozel added a second-half tally. Lakeland will host the winner of No. 5 John Jay-East Fishkill-No. 4 North Rockland (this quarter is Monday at 3 p.m.) in a semi Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

No. 3 Mamaroneck 2, No. 11 Yorktown: Mamaroneck christened Holy Child’s week-old new turf field with a victory as Anna Reddicliffe assisted on Joanna Lyons’ second-half goal then Reddicliffe added an insurance goal. Mamaroneck will play the winner of No. 10 Carmel-No. 2 Arlington (this quarter is Monday at 4:15 p.m.) in a semi on Wednesday.

As of now, Lakeland-Suffern (6 p.m.), Brewster-Putnam Valley (3 p.m.) and Yorktown-Mamaroneck (2:45 at Holy Child) are all on.

Dover at Somers has been moved to Monday at 2:30 p.m and Carmel at Arlington is Monday at 4:15 p.m.

I have heard back from Rye coach Kevin Kelly or North Rockland coach Jen Cohen. I would say North Rockland has been postponed also because the Red Raiders have a grass field.

I’ve pretty much held my predictions to myself for fear of being belted with a field hockey stick by an angry player. Well, I think I’m going to take a chance and make some “observations” concerning the Class A and Class B quarterfinals on Saturday, should Mother Nature cooperate.

Class A

No. 1 Lakeland over No. 8 Suffern – Suffern has had an excellent year, but faces a very difficult task on the road at the defending state champion.

No. 2 Arlington over No. 10 Carmel – This will be a close game. Yes, I know, Arlington is seeded second and is having another outstanding year, but Carmel is always going to be in a game and play tough for coach Colette Brenneman.

No. 3 Mamaroneck over No. 11 Yorktown – Yorktown did a great job to win its last two games to qualify for sectional, then shock No. 6 Ossining in overtime. However, Yorktown will encounter an angry Mamaroneck team that was blanked in its regular-season finale by Putnam Valley.

No. 5 John Jay-East Fishkill over No. 4 North Rockland – JJEF coach Barbara Deppe will not allow North Rockland high-scoring forward Chrissy Gutenberger to beat her. Jay will look to negate Gutenberger early.

Class B

No. 1 Rye over No. 8 Sleepy Hollow – Sleepy Hollow and coach Kelly (Cronin) Jarer have had a fine season, but run into a buzzsaw.

No. 2 Somers over No. 7 Dover – Teams have tried, but have been unable to find an answer to Somers’ explosive forward, Lizzy Russo. And don’t forget four-year starter in goal, Amanda Heyde. Many shots result in hitting her pads.

No. 3 Putnam Valley over No. 6 Brewster – I will be at this game so the Brewster fans can yell at me for this “observation.” The matchup here is Brewster’s offense against Putnam Valley’s staunch defense and center midfielder Ashley Morgan. I’m sure Brewster’s Caitlin Conn has already briefed her teammates on Put Valley center back Brittany Kinsley and Morgan. The trio played for the 2007 gold-medal winning Hudson Valley scholastic women’s field hockey team.

No. 4 Briarcliff bested No. 5 Pelham, 2-1 on a pair of Melissa Colton goals Friday.

I am now ready to get lambasted by the respective fans from those teams I did not select to win.

Sorry for the delay. I was waiting to hear from Section 1 chair Sue Hughes. Originally, the Class C seeding meeting was scheduled for Thursday before it was moved to today (Friday).

So, without any further fanfare, here we go:

Tuesday, Oct. 30
First round

No. 5 Pawling (6-9-3) at No. 4 Valhalla (7-5-4), 2:30 p.m. – Valhalla blanked Pawling, 3-0, late in the season. Valhalla finished on a run to earn the fourth seed. However, beware of Pawling, led by coach and former Mahopac great, June Lagan.

Thursday, Nov. 1
Semifinals

No. 5 Pawling-No. 4 Valhalla winner at No. 1 Bronxville (14-1-1), 2:30 p.m. – Bronxville swept Valhalla, 1-0 and 2-0, during the regular season, and owned a victory, 3-1, and draw, 2-2, with Pawling.

No. 3 Hastings (8-4-5) at No. 2 Pleasantville (10-5-2), 2:30 p.m. – Pleasantville shut out Hastings, 4-0, in their only regular-season meeting.

Saturday, Nov. 3
Championship

At Lakeland High School, 1 p.m.

Class A

No. 8 Suffern at No. 1 Lakeland, 3 p.m.
No. 5 John Jay-East Fishkill at No. 4 North Rockland, 3 p.m.
No. 11 Yorktown at No. 3 Mamaroneck, 3 p.m. (I have been told that Mamaroneck was attempting to move this game to Rye Country Day School.)
No. 10 Carmel at No. 2 Arlington, 3 p.m.

Class B

No. 8 Sleepy Hollow at No. 1 Rye, 3 p.m.
No. 6 Brewster at No. 3 Putnam Valley, 3 p.m. (This will be the best game of the day. If I’m wrong, it’s nothing new. My wife tells me I’m wrong all the time.)
No. 7 Dover at No. 2 Somers, 2:30 p.m.

The Class C seedings will be unveiled Friday.

If you’re in the area or want to watch a game, then check out fifth-seeded Pelham at fourth-seeded Briarcliff on Friday (2:30 p.m.) in a Class B quarterfinal.

Each team received a first-round bye and agreed to play Friday instead of Saturday, when many students will be taking the ACT.

This will be an excellent game, all having to do with the regular-season set. Pelham rallied with two second-half goals to earn a 2-2 tie at Briarcliff. In their second game, at Glover Field in Pelham, the Pelicans scored with 13 seconds remaining in the game for a 2-1 win.

Let’s hope Mother Nature cooperates on Friday. I project an overtime game. Don’t ask me who will win. That’s too difficult. Maybe I should flip a coin. That’s what I did during softball season (on the softball blog) when I thought the game was too close to call.

If you’re at this game and you get a chance, ask Briarcliff coach Kelly Adams to show you a picture of her new puppy – Molly. What a beautiful little pup.

The first upset happened today as No. 11 Yorktown stunned No. 6 Ossining, 2-1 in overtime on Keri Bagal’s goal. Yorktown will now face No. 3 Mamaroneck Saturday at 3 p.m.

Yorktown, which needed to win its last two games just to qualify for sectionals, registered its first sectional win for coach Becky Melikian. Last year, Yorktown lost an opening-round game to Mahopacc.

In other Class A games on Thursday:

No. 8 Suffern 1, No. 9 Scarsdale 0: Staci Faye scored 6:49 into the game, sweeping in a Cara Eichenberger centering pass. Suffern’s defense took over from there with Rebecca Olsen, Erin Gumbs and Sara Wilson doing the job. Suffern failed on 12 second-half penalty corners, thanks to Scarsdale corner defense, but played the majority of the second half inside Scarsdale’s 25. Suffern earns a date with top-seeded Lakeland Saturday at 3 p.m.

No. 10 Carmel 1, No. 7 John Jay 0: The Rams were fueled by Anna Jarzebiak’s first-half goal. Always beware of Carmel come sectional time because of coach Colette Brenneman. Carmel travels to No. 2 Arlington Saturday at 3 p.m.

No. 5 John Jay-East Fishkill 4, No. 12 Horace Greeley 0: Ally Brown had a goal and an assist for Jay, which broke it open with three second-half goals. Jenni Hershman made 20 saves for Greeley. John Jay meets No. 4 North Rockland Saturday at 3 p.m.

In Class B first-round action:

No. 6 Brewster 2, No. 11 Panas 0: Samantha Blackwell scored a pair of second-half goals for the Bears, assisted by Rachel Thomas and Danielle Yarusso. Brewster takes on No. 3 Putnam Valley at 3 p.m. Saturday. Put Valley’s defense is playing among the best in Section 1. Brittany Kinsley, Kristin Brown, Sara Kastuk, Nicole Scott and goalie Jackie Gallagher allowed one goal to Rye and shut out Mamaroneck.

No. 8 Sleepy Hollow 1, No. 9 Nyack: Freshman Jennifer Angevine continued her torrid scoring run with a second-half goal and Emily Anne MacDonald made it stand. Congratulations to Sleepy coach Kelly (Cronin) Jarer and her girls. This team was decimated by a graduation, yet Jarer and her girls showed the program is continuing to progress. Now, Sleepy Hollow face top-seeded Rye Saturday at 3 p.m. Also a congratulations to Nyack coach Cheryl Eglin and her girls. Eglin, who replaced the well-liked and veteran coach Al Pesner, was also hurt by graduation, and had only 12 players on varsity. However, Nyack went 7-7-3 during the regular season and earned a sectional berth.

No. 7 Dover 1, No. 10 Edgemont 0: Carly Anderson’s second-half goal was the difference for the Dragons, who go to No. 2 Somers, led by high-scoring forward Lizzy Russo, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Once again, congratulations are order for Edgemont and first-year coach Lindsay Robinson, former Lakeland standout and older sister of current Lakeland star, Chelsea Robinson. In her first season, Robinson guided Edgemont to a 6-6-4 record, improving on last year’s five-win total. Robinson has this program going up after just one season.