Mechanicsburg vs. Conestoga: PIAA Class 3A field hockey quarterfinal preview

The Mechanicsburg field hockey team will travel to Exeter Township High School Saturday to face Conestoga in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal. Game time is 5 p.m.

Here is a look at both teams and how the game might play out:

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Mechanicsburg (19-5-1): The Wildcats, under head coach Tonya Brown, placed third in the District 3 Class 3A tournament and downed previously undefeated District 7 champion and five-time WPIAL winner Pine-Richland via shutout in the first round. Mechanicsburg's game is speed and stick skills on the offensive and defensive side. Sophomore Mary Olivetti uses her speed both ways and has a sparkling scoring touch. She's complimented by Kate Engle, Shippensburg commit Madi Fissel, Gabby Shute, Avery Rutter, Libby Olivetti, Caly Hartman and Kayla Weldon. Olivia Schweigart sees the bulk of play in the cage.

Conestoga: (20-4): Conestoga, under head coach Regan Marscher, is the District 1 Class 3A runner-up to perennial powerhouse Villa Maria Academy. The Pioneers gained the state quarterfinals by defeating Wilson in a first-round tournament game. University of Duke commit Shae Wozniak and Peyton Esposito are two of the main scorers for the Pioneers while keeper Sydney Wright guards the goal.

At stake: A berth in the PIAA Class 3A semifinal against the winner of the Central Bucks West-Easton quarterfinal game.

X-factor: The Olivetti twins. Mary and Libby score goals and make plays. If they are both on point, the Wildcats have an excellent opportunity to move on to the state semifinals. Expect a low-scoring contest.

The pick: On paper, it's Conestoga. We're going with an upset. Mechanicsburg, 2-1, in an extra session.