Ever since the Old Dominion Athletic Conference added field hockey, it's been dominated by Eastern Mennonite University and Lynchburg College. The two teams have combined for 24 of the 28 league titles and have met the tournament championship the past four seasons. This year the two rivals locked up in the semifinals, with the top-seeded Hornets claiming a 6-0 win.

Lynchburg intimidated the Lady Royals in the first half, caging their first goal in the eighth minute. The Hornets added a goal in 21st minute and put in two more before halftime during a stretch where every loose ball and call seemed to go LC's way.

Eastern Mennonite came out a different team in the second. Senior Linda Cimini (Cape May, NJ/Middle Township) spearheaded the EMU attack and got a number of good scoring chances. But each time the Lynchburg defense clogged up the lanes or a great goalie save denied the goal.

The Hornets called a timeout to talk things over and then added a penalty stroke in the 50th minute and a breakaway score two minutes later to make it 6-0.

The Lady Royals continued to attack well, but were continually denied. EMU was effectively even with the Hornets in the second half, trailing only 13-12.

Linda Cimini had one last scoring chance with three minutes left but the goalie tipped the ball away as Lynchburg took the win and advanced to the ODAC Championship.

Goalie Becky Nolt (East Berlin, Pa./Bermudian Springs) faced 34 shots and admirably finished with 14 saves. Katie Cimini (Cape May, NJ/Middle Township) collected a defensive save.

The Hornets had a 19-6 edge in corners, although EMU was up 6-3 in the second half.

It was the final game for senior co-captains Hailee Rittle (Jonestown, Pa./Northern Lebanon) and Vanessa Landis (Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown), sisters Linda and Katie Cimini, and Nolt, a four-year starter in goal.

Both Rittle and freshman Morgan Spicher (Belleville, Pa./Belleville Mennonite) were named to the 2010 ODAC All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the tourney.

Eastern Mennonite closes the year with a 10-9.