WOW!

The JV team fell behind 2-0 in their game against King George last night, and looked a little hesitant. This may be because the team was playing less than 48 hours after returning from Spring Break, and having not practiced on a full field in almost two weeks. However, they kept their composure and got a goal back with a sweet score from Kelsey Link. Then the lightning came, which caused the remainder of the game to be postponed. There is no official word on the make-up of this game.

If the JV players stayed to watch the Varsity game, then they witnessed the Knights' best effort of the season. Top to bottom, every player played exceptionally well in the role they were given, even as some played through injury, illness, or phantom offsides calls. Aggy scored off of a frantic possession that began with Raven bouncing a shot off of the post and ended with Hare giving the assist to Aggy only minutes after nailing a scholarship interview. Aldinger played LIGHTS OUT, and had a look and demeanor about her that makes me feel sorry for any defenders she faces the rest of the year. Luttrell and Floyd did an amazing job controlling the midfield and winning 50/50 balls, and Cook helped the defense keep its composure throughout the frantic final minutes. Donnelly gave her all in a game she probably shouldn't have been playing in due to illness, and Hare, Raven, and Candice looked as strong in the 80th minute as they did in the first. LT made some great runs in the second half, and continues to improve her play in the midfield.

Then there was the defense, and there was certainly a lot of it. Tori, Corker, Stewart, and Kreutzer didn't give the Foxes room to breathe, so scoring for them wasn't an option. Perry earned the shutout in goal, making one of the best saves I have witnessed in person with under two minutes two go in the game, racing back across the net to preserve the victory.

The victory was not without cost: Hesse and Tori both suffered injuries, and Corker gets to sport a shiner for a while. It is the responsibility of each player to preform their role, and when asked, be ready to give their all in another role if necessary. Such was the case with Hare, who played the left side last night after spending the season exclusively on the right side. Her play was above and beyond expectations, and she ultimately led the team to the winning goal.

A special kudos to Megan Hesse, who literally laid it on the line (and ultimately paid the price) throughout the game. This fearless, reckless effort is exactly what the team needs: I promise you that if you play like that again, with the same intensity and bravery, the wins will PILE up. You were the better team last night, you played like it, but most importantly, you believed in yourselves and each other. It was a joy to watch you play last night, and I look forward to seeing this kind of play out of the team again.

Congratulations, ladies. You were amazing.