The District 3-AAA field hockey playoffs begin today with No. 1 seed Lower Dauphin and No. 2 seed Penn Manor installed as favorites.

Lower Dauphin brought home the District crown in 2006, '07 and '08 while Penn Manor took the honors last season.

This year the two champs are challenged by No. 3 seed Dallastown who, as The Patriot-News' Stefanie Loh reported, are led by speedy forward Colton Keener.

If Penn Manor meets Dallastown in the semifinals, Keener will not be the first male field hockey player the Comets will have played against this postseason. Penn Manor faces Central York today, a team that boasts a legion of four boys on its roster.

Not all readers are excited about boys playing this predominately female sport. Yesterday, a Fan Line caller commented, "To see that boys are playing field hockey is disturbing. Why are they allowed to do this?"

In response, PennLive.com user equalrights opined:

Another reader, videotester, posited, "What if the guy is a goalie and plays ice hockey in winter and lacrosse in spring. What's wrong with him playing field hockey in fall?"

Do you think male athletes should be allowed to compete in field hockey? Does it give their team an unfair advantage? Is it less unfair for a male hockey player to compete as a goalie than as an outfield player?

Share your thoughts and comments below.

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