AV Girls LAX - Varsity

The Dons looked fired up to perform at the outset of the match. I’m sure the sour taste from Friday’s defeat was still lingering. Amador came out and put up two quick goals. Piedmont looked to be walled off with three defenders, but then the shooter turned as all three spread out. This gave Piedmont an opening for their first goal. Both teams had trouble maintaining possession. Lily Manos was attempting to recover a ground ball. A Piedmont attacker kicked the ball as Manos was running. It appeared as if the two players legs collided sending Manos to the ground. All the players were worried knowing that it was the same leg she had previously injured in the past. I’m sure everyone is thinking of her well being and quick recovery. After the match was restarted, Sophia Shiblaq would throw down some goals from the top of the key, and another by rolling the crease. The Dons built up a solid 6-1 lead. Shiblaq facilitated a ball to Sam Nimmo for a quick shot. The Highlander goalie made a great save. The Don defense was swarming and switching. The Highlander attacker made it to X and rolled the crease. The shooter burst her speed past the defender for a goal inside. Mady Sweeney came down the field and into the 8 meter. Sweeney made a fantastic quick pass to Bella Mayo who slid underneath. After receiving the ball Mayo made a beautiful underhanded no look shot to get by the goalie. The half ended with Isa Clark on the line but no easy lane for a shot.

The second half opened with a volley of exchanges between both squads. But Piedmont stuns with two back to back goals off of nice plays to bring the match to 9-5. The Dons were circling and found Catherine Murphy at the X. Her crease roll was saved out. The Highlanders could not do much better and their shot was also saved out. Piedmont’s player then lost control of the ball out of bounds. Bella Mayo would end the transition with a strong shot that hit the top pipe. Amador eventually recovered and saw Kalena Johnson’s shot deflected away. The Dons retained possession and eventually Sophia Shiblaq earned a a penalty to place her on the line. Shiblaq would convert for goal. Piedmont would run back down the line and convert a shooting space violation for goal. The next draw saw a fierce battle for possession. Amador came away victorious and Mady Sweeney again ran to goal looking for cutters. Sweeney would connect with Shiblaq to create a comfortable 11-6 lead for the Dons. Piedmont then executed another offensive set. The defense held good position. The Highlander’s next goal was signaled despite their shooter’s stick making contact with the Amador defender’s head. Piedmont would win another draw but an unlucky turnover saw the Dons make nice passes in transition. Alexis Bayani would run the midifield and go on the attack. Her run would be closed down, but a nice pass to Catherine Murphy would earn a shooting space violation. Murphy’s shot would also be closed off by defenders. The ball eventually cycled to Bella Mayo. Mayo would be awarded a shooting space penalty. This time Mayo would pass off the line to Murphy in the low post for a goal. With time running low Piedmont took a low percentage shot but converted on a lucky bounce. The game should have been over at this point with a few seconds left on the game clock. The Dons would win the draw and run to offense. Catherine Murphy received the ball and immediately released as time expired. Her swift shot found the back of the net sending her team into a crazy celebration. The 13-9 win was a good victory. However, the team should not over celebrate. The Dons were still dropping balls and having trouble maintaining possession. Hopefully the Dons can continue to tweak their game and carry even more success forward. I’m sure we will all be thinking of Lily Manos. Hopefully her injury is only minor.