Field Hockey and Football Lead Way To Tourney

Elisabeth Quirbach ('23), Orbit Contributor

RMHS fall sports teams have recently completed their regular seasons with many preparing for state tournament appearances.

The end of October marks the last week of the regular fall sport seasons at RMHS. However, this week will not be the last for a few teams as rankings for the MIAA tournament come closer to final. RMHS fans can look forward to MIAA Division 2 tournament appearances from golf, swimming and diving, cross country, volleyball, boys soccer, and highly ranked field hockey and football.

The MIAA is a state-wide association in which Reading, as well as all Massachusetts public schools–and many private schools–compete. The MIAA is split into multiple divisions based on school size and holds the state tournament for team sports at the end of every season.

Currently, the highest ranked fall sport team heading into the MIAA tournament is Reading’s varsity field hockey team. The field hockey team has been jumping from seeds one through four all season which appears to be a promising spot in the tournament. Their last game of the regular season was Tuesday, October 25th, against Winchester.

Senior captain Megan McGlaughlin stated before the game, “It’s a really big game for us because it potentially decides who is Middlesex Liberty League Champs. I think the whole team considers them one of our biggest rivals.” McGlaughlin also spoke on their position in the rankings. “We have been in the top four for the whole season in D2. Reading hasn’t had a field hockey team like this in many years. I’m so confident that this team can go far.” It is clear that Captain McGlaughlin believes in her team and thinks that they are “more than ready for the tournament.” 

Since their final regular season game, which resulted in a 1-1 tie against Winchester, Reading Field Hockey has been named the 2022 Middlesex Liberty League Champions and hold a strong #3 seed in the rankings. 

Not only is there high hopes for the field hockey team to go far in playoffs this fall, but Reading Football is also making their mark in the rankings and the Middlesex League. Before their final two regular season games, captain and quarterback James Murphy stated, “Today we have Winchester, next week we have Lexington. I think we are going to win both games.” Murphy was correct as the Rockets finished out their regular season with a perfect 8-0 record. 

As for the tournament, Murphy expressed, “I think we are going to have a really tough schedule, but I’m optimistic. I think we are going to work really hard and win.” Reading Football now stands at #6 in Division 2 rankings. 

RMHS students and fans can also look for girl’s volleyball and boys soccer tournament games as they are currently ranked #23 and #32, respectively.

  Fans can see all of the MIAA power rankings at their website.