Girls’ Varsity Soccer
Mustangs Fall Big to Clarke, 7-0;
Bounce Back 3-1 against Mountaineers
District Record Stands at 5-2

By: Alex Pender and Julie Dorsey (May 17, 2006)

Last night the Mustangs beat the Mountaineers 3-1 at Madison County putting their overall district record at 5-2.  The three goals were scored by junior Roxy Sweeney, freshman Kim Kenny, and sophomore Rachel Kazman.  In goal was sophomore rookie Rebecca Jackson.    

Last night’s victory picked the girls heads up after last Friday night’s loss. The girls lost a devastating game against the undefeated Clarke County Eagles.  Coach Carol stated at the end of the game, “I think everyone can agree that the score did not reflect the way you ladies played tonight.”  The final score of the game was 7-0; however, and the Mustangs held the Eagles offense to 1-0 with 15 minutes remaining before the half. 

Senior Hayley Wood stated before the game, “We are coming out pumped to play today, no one is nervous like the last time, just excited”.   This excitement showed when the Mustangs stepped out onto the field, dominating not only in the defensive half, but for the first time equally playing in the offensive half against Clarke’s All-State defense. 

Junior Roxy Sweeney, accustomed to the midfield, was challenged by starting as goalie by the several talented shots taken by Clarke County’s offense.  The Eagles out shot the Mustangs 33-5.  Roxy made several beautiful saves including four of the goals that were off of rebounds that Roxy initially deflected but couldn’t save the second attack.  After the fourth goal, not only did the Mustangs defense break down but so did the offence, letting the Eagles score three more goals easily.

Senior captains Hayley Wood and Alex Pender addressed the team after the game saying, “We know that we can win after seeing the first 25 minutes of that game. We now not only need to prepare physically but also mentally and learn from our mistakes”. 

The girls play their final district game tonight at home verse Manassas Park.  This is also the Senior night for six girls that hope to continue playing until the state finals in June. These dedicated seniors include Hayley Wood, Julie Dorsey, Eva Berthold, Jessie Porzel, Jessica Oxley and Alex Pender.  All these seniors have been to a state final before and hope to get their again. Senior Julie Dorsey said, “I can’t imagine a better way to end my soccer career than with a state title, and I have faith that our team has the potential to accomplish this”.