Earlier than expected, the Mid-Atlantic (MARC) final four has been confirmed. Kutztown will play East Stroudsburg, and Bloomsburg will play Delaware in the semifinals. MARC will receive three representatives at the national fall Round of 32 (Nov. 14-15).

The most compelling game occurred in the Tri-State Division, as Kutztown and Delaware looked to retain their respective undefeated records.

Delaware leaned on its forward to dictate the first quarter. The Blue Hens ran right into the Kutztown defense, which retreated and broke, and allowed two tries for a 12-point deficit.

“Honestly the first 20 minutes scared the hell out of me,” Kutztown coach Sean Cobb confessed. “We really hadn't been challenged like that all year so it was a tough start to the match. Delaware came in with a game plan that took us by surprise and executed it flawlessly.”

Kutztown flyhalf Mary Cate Matta took a quick-tape penalty in for a try with seven minutes remaining in the half, and then No. 8 Amber DeFabio dove over for another five. Delaware took a 12-10 lead into the break.

“The second half saw Kutztown come to life,” Cobb explained. “The forwards started to take control of the match by winning the breakdown. Lock Aysia Grondahl was awarded Woman of the Match for her great play in the loose and challenging Delaware's forwards at the point of contact.”

The backline capitalized on the more stable possession, and tries were scored by wing Leah Keyser, inside center Taylor Sandin, wing Celina Dickison, fullback Natalie Flaim, and Matta, who also added a conversion for the 37-12 win.

“Delaware is a really good side and they challenged us in every phase of the game,” Cobb commended. “In the end the girls answered the challenge and got the job done by playing the system and trusting in the team. This was a team win and I couldn't be more proud of the way they stepped up to the challenge.”

Heading into this match, the Blue Hens knew that if they lost to Kutztown, then post-season hopes rested on the outcome of this weekend’s game against St. Joe’s, which was 3-1 entering last weekend. But St. Joe’s did not confirm its referee for Saturday’s game, and when an official did not appear, St. Joe’s was forced to take the forfeit. A friendly against Drexel evolved, but now St. Joe’s is eliminated from playoffs. It’s good news for Delaware, which will receive nice competition this weekend against St. Joe’s while preparing for Bloomsburg.

Also in the Tri-State Division, La Salle defeated Rowan 56-14.

In the Pennsylvania Division, the game of interest was East Stroudsburg vs. Bloomsburg, but the latter proved too powerful in the 62-0 shutout. Both teams advance to the conference playoffs. Shippensburg got a nice win over York College, 33-21, and Millersville blanked Scranton 30-0.

For more on the league standings, click here.