By Becky Roa (June 14, 2004)

"It was a perfect ending," agreed all four Mason graduating seniors Amanda Harrington, Alison Penland, Becky Roa and Maria Wood, talking of their 3-1 state tournament championship win over the Clarke County Eagles last Saturday. This win marks the second State Championship win in the three seasons the title has been offered. Last year, the Mustangs were State Championship runners-up, having been defeated by Brentsville 4-0. 

The first half of Saturday’s final left the fans on their edge of their seats, as it was scoreless. The half was filled with quick passes, a few shots, and good ball control by both sides. But neither team could find the back of the net.

Mustang senior Alison Penland jump-started the second half with her 30-yard shot that sailed past the Eagles’ goalie. But the Eagles didn’t let down as minutes later an Eagles’ offender dribbled down the right side of the field and answered to tie the game at 1-1. The fearless Mustangs controlled the ball in Eagles’ territory for the remaining 40-minutes, allowing Penland to capitalize; this time off of junior Christina Kirkbride’s floating corner kick. Up 2-1, with under 10 minutes remaining, the Mustangs were able to seal the win when freshman Katie Turner received a pass that put her in a one-on-one opportunity, and she slipped it into the right corner of the net to end the game at 3-1.

The day before, the Mustangs were matched up against Glenvar High School in a game that resulted in a 3-1 win, advancing the Mustangs and sending the Highlanders home.

In that game, Mustang freshman Roxy Sweeny rallied GM when she scored halfway through the first half. Senior Becky Roa set the score at 2-0 on a pass she received from sophomore Jessie Porzel to end the half. 

In the second half, a Mustang mistake gave one highlander the ball within the 18 yard-line who then went one-on-one with sophomore Mustang goalie Alex Pender, and resulted in a Highlander goal. But just before the final whistle, sophomore Katie Gordon scored off of a rebound to finalize the 3-1 semi-final game.