Vancouver Island celebrates four high school girls field hockey teams qualifying for the upcoming AAA BC Provincial Championships hosted this week, Nov. 9-11, at Tamanawis Fields in Surrey, B.C. Cowichan High, Oak Bay, Frances Kelsey and Mount Doug are all heading to the championships.

The 2015 reigning AAA champions, Cowichan High, return as favourites for the tournament and know the road to a repeat victory will include facing mainland strengths such as Carson Graham and Handsworth. Cowichan will play Kelowna, Charles Best and Eric Hamber in Pool B of the 16-team tournament. The team is led by coaches and former Cowichan players Perri Espeseth and Caitlin Evans, while the team features junior national team members Sara Goodman in midfield and Robin Fleming in goal as well as stand outs Emma Dame and Jillian Wallace.

Also qualifying for the championship is Mount Douglas Secondary who will face South Delta, McMath and Churchill in Pool D. Mount Doug is led by two former Mount Doug grads, coaches Andrea Rushton and Derrick Norton. The Rams are led by a cohort of regional and provincial athletes including Stefanie Sajko, Claire Church, Natalie Boraston, Janet Dawson and Brecken Sales.

Frances Kelsey qualified for the AAA championship after coming second in the Island Championship and they will match up against powerhouse Handsworth, fellow islanders Oak Bay and Penticton, all in Pool A. The Frances Kelsey Breakers are led by head coach Alison Andersen and have strengths in central defender Hannah Craig as well as the offensive power of veteran Kyla Toljander.

Oak Bay qualified for the AAA Championship through a wildcard win over West Vancouver last week and the young team earned their spot thanks to the talents of regional players Reilly Sinclair, Judy Cristante, Cara Butler, Carmen Andiel, Sophia Berk, Nora Strutchup and Lexi Knight. Oak Bay have two former UVic Vikes coaching them in Kolette Cristante and Kira Starr.

Pool A: Handsworth, Frances Kelsey, Oak Bay, Penticton
Pool B: Cowichan, Kelowna, Charles Best, Eric Hamber
Pool C: Carson Graham, Gleneagle, Kitsilano, Sullivan Heights
Pool D: South Delta, McMath, Mt. Douglas, Churchill

For Championship Schedule Click here: http://www.bcschoolsports.ca/sites/default/files/files/attachments/2016%20AAA%20Field%20Hockey%20Championship%20Draw.pdf

For more information click here: http://www.bcschoolsports.ca/championship/field-hockey-girls-aaa