FOUR STRAIGHT: Wyoming Valley West Rallies Past Hazleton Area to Capture District 2 Class 3A Championship
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | November 3, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
DALLAS TWP., Pa. — Wyoming Valley West continued its dominance of District 2 Class 3A field hockey Monday night, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Hazleton Area 4-1 and capture its fourth consecutive district championship at Dallas High School.
The Spartans (11-4-2) received a standout performance from Ava Mullery, who scored twice and added an assist, while Charlotte Yelen contributed three assists to help Valley West pull away in the second half.
Hazleton Area (9-10-1) struck first when Bella Boyle, the Cougars’ all-time leading scorer, converted a penalty corner opportunity less than five minutes into the opening quarter. Addison Bobrowski assisted on the goal, giving Hazleton Area an early 1-0 advantage.
Valley West responded in the second quarter.
Chelsea Hummel evened the score with 6:56 remaining before halftime, following up a shot by Mullery that deflected off Hazleton Area goalkeeper Jas Pena. The teams entered halftime tied at 1-1.
The Spartans took control in the second half.
Mullery broke the deadlock in the third quarter, finishing a rebound off a shot by Yelen to give Wyoming Valley West its first lead of the night.
Holding a 2-1 advantage entering the fourth quarter, Valley West continued to apply pressure.
Yelen connected with Mullery again early in the final period, setting up her second goal of the night to extend the Spartans’ lead to 3-1.
Avery Brennan added the finishing touch minutes later, scoring off another Yelen assist to seal the 4-1 championship victory.
Valley West’s defensive effort proved equally important. After surrendering the opening goal, the Spartans held Hazleton Area scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
Goalkeeper Kaylah Sewell finished with eight saves as Valley West outshot Hazleton Area 17-9.
The championship victory continued an impressive postseason run for the Spartans, who advanced to Monday’s final following a commanding 7-0 semifinal victory over Honesdale.
Under head coach Lois Krause, Wyoming Valley West has now captured four consecutive District 2 Class 3A championships.
The Spartans will now turn their attention to the PIAA Class 3A state tournament, where they are scheduled to host District 1’s fifth-place finisher on November 10.
After first-round exits in each of the past two state tournaments, Valley West will look to carry its championship momentum into a deeper postseason run.
With another district championship secured, the Spartans now set their sights on making their mark on the state stage.
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