Visiting Tigers topple Warriors

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By Shaun Broy - sports@nvdaily.com

STEPHENS CITY -- When Sherando girls soccer coach Rob Kilmer first received his schedule for the upcoming season, skimmed down through the games and saw Brentsville District High School on the schedule, it likely caught his attention to say the least.

The Tigers have been a force in both boys and girls soccer over the past decade.

The Warriors stepped out onto the field on Monday night looking to make some history of their own. Sherando was looking to avenge a three-goal loss to the Tigers in Nokesville last week, and looked ready to play from the opening whistle before ultimately falling prey to the Tigers 5-0 on Monday night.

The Tigers struck first with freshman midfielder Cassidy Rowell being in the right place at the right time as she settled a pass about 5 yards out from the goal and tapped it into the net.

The Tigers finally connected off one of several corner kicks when midfielder Izzy Longerbeam scored in the 37th minute of play. Her high arching kick fell on target to defender Noel Kowalewski's head, which sent the ball into the back of the net to put the Tigers up 2-0 going into the half.

The opening of the second period of play featured an extended display of the Tigers' superiority, and just three minutes in Brentsville connected off a corner kick opportunity once again. This time saw junior defender Jensen Dobbins step up into the action and nail her opportunity to score off a corner kick. The junior stepped into the path of the ball and sent a rocket flying past Sherando goalkeeper Briana Hudnall and into the back of the goal, giving the Tigers a 3-0 advantage.

The Brentsville offense began to work like a well-oiled machine, displaying a masterful style of possession offense. Its pressure was relentless, and struck with a piercing shot by junior Bridget Berquist through the Warrior' defense, which fell nestled into the bottom left-hand side of the net to put the Tigers up, 4-0.

The Tigers scored their last goal with ease, as a wide-open Rowell received a pass just 15 yards out from the goal. The Warriors let her waltz in without opposition, and she made them pay, coming through with the Tigers' fifth and final goal on the night.

"We learned some things tonight," Kilmer said. "They are a tough team that expects to challenge for the state championship. Our district is wide open, and we will take from this game what we can and move on."