One more day of competition remains for the women’s DII clubs, as the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northeast/Empire unions contested their semifinals today. Great games abounded, but let’s look at how last year’s finalists faired.

There will be a new national champion this year as the current titleholders, Raleigh, fell to Severn River 22-10 during the MARFU semifinals. Raleigh trailed 12-3 at half, and pulled within two until the championship hosts tacked on two more tries. The Venom are not the same team as last year, having lost key players like Laketa Sutton (Atlanta) and Ryan Carlyle (San Diego). Raleigh also lost to Norfolk during the regular season.

Severn River will play Norfolk, which defeated Harrisburg by the skin of their teeth, 29-24. Both teams have already qualified for DII nationals, however, since Raleigh’s title awarded the territory two seeds.

The other 2011 finalist, Pittsburgh, is one game away from returning to the big show. The Angels won their Midwest semifinal 15-12 over Wisconsin. Wisconsin advanced to the final four when Twin Cities B forfeited their berth. The Amazons B had actually won their quarterfinal but lack of depth and resources forced their withdrawal.

Tomorrow, Pittsburgh will play championship host Milwaukee Scylla, which defeated Scioto Valley 22-5. The Midwest only has one seed, so it’s winner take all. The victor will enter the national competition as the second seed overall.

The fifth seed overall will go the New England/Empire State champion, which will now come down to Beantown B or Monmouth. Beantown crushed Morris 40-7, while it took an overtime period to decide Monmouth’s fate. The New Jersey side won 14-10.

Mid-Atlantic Semifinals
Norfolk 29-24 Harrisburg
Severn River 22-10 Raleigh

Midwest Semifinals
Pittsburgh 15-12 Wisconsin
Milwaukee Scylla 22-5 Scioto Valley

New England/Empire State
Beantown B 40-7 Morris
Monmouth 15-10 Burlington (OT)