The Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 field hockey race officially came to an end Saturday when Berwick forfeited its home game against Wallenpaupack, which used the win to clinch the division championship.
Wallenpaupack went into the final day needing only a win or tie against Berwick to repeat its division championship.
The forfeit win gives the Lady Buckhorns a 10-1-1 final divisional record, beating out Pittston Area (9-2-1).
Prior to the forfeit, the clinching already seemed to be little more than a formality.
Wallenpaupack had beaten Berwick, 13-0, in their first meeting. Berwick played Friday and lost, 8-0, to Pittston Area.
The Wallenpaupack at Berwick game was the last one remaining on the WVC schedule.
It was the second straight day that a WVC game was forfeited.
Hanover Area, which wound up tied with Berwick for last in Division 2 with 1-11 WVC records, forfeited to Abington Heights Friday in similar circumstances, one day after suffering a 5-2 loss against Wallenpaupack.
Berwick, which failed to qualify in a nine-team race for eight District 2-4 Class 2A playoff berths, and Hanover Area, which declined participation in District 2 Class A, are the only WVC teams that will not continue into the postseason.
Hanover Area’s season ended Friday at 1-14 overall, including the forfeit. Berwick’s ended at 1-13.
