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By JIM McCONNELL

NEWPORT NEWS--Courtland wasn't around to defend its state title, but James Monroe and Chancellor ensured that the Battlefield District's domination of Group AA field hockey will continue for at least one more year.

After the Yellow Jackets beat Western Albemarle 4-1 in yesterday's first state semifinal at Christopher Newport University, the Chargers blanked Monticello 7-0 to set up a third consecutive all-Battlefield final today at 10 a.m.

"We have a strong district and that helps a lot. It's not that big a change at states," said James Monroe junior Maggie John, who scored once in each half yesterday.

Other than the venue, today's game should feel like a district game for both James Monroe (18-6) and Chancellor (21-1). The teams have already played three times this season, with the Chargers winning each.

Chancellor also beat James Monroe three of four times last season, including a 4-1 verdict in the state semifinals.

"We know JM's going to be fired up," Chancellor coach Jim Larkin said. "They've gotten better as the year has gone on. Hopefully we have, too."

The Yellow Jackets and Chargers left no doubt that they were the two best teams on the field yesterday afternoon, outshooting their opponents by a combined 32-9 while dominating play for all but a few minutes.

James Monroe knocked Region II champion Western Albemarle onto its heels from the opening whistle. John put the Jackets ahead just 2:37 into the game with an unassisted goal, then Emma Mehrabi set up Cameron McManus' goal to make it 2-0 less than five minutes later.

Western Albemarle put together its first sustained offensive pressure late in the first half and kept up the pressure after halftime. Abby Wheeler slapped in a rebound off a penalty corner, cutting James Monroe's lead to one goal with 28 minutes left in the game.

The Warriors nearly tied it a couple of minutes later, but JM goalie Sarah Fisher made a pretty stick save after Bridget Lynn's long hit deflected off a stick inside the penalty circle.

Western Albemarle's last chance came when an unmarked Effie Nicholoau collected a loose ball near the left post, but her point-blank shot missed the cage.