Courtland dominates Lafayette to move into Group AA state field hockey semifinals.
Lafayette’s reign as Group AA state field hockey champion ended 90 seconds into Tuesday night’s quarterfinals on the frigid field at Charlottesville High School. Not officially, of course, but for all intents and purposes.
Courtland midfielder Tori Heslop gave the Cougars all they needed with a close-in goal moments after a corner shot. That started Courtland toward the 3-0 win that ended Lafayette’s season at 20-3. Heslop and Haylee Gunnoa added goals in the second half to remove all doubt.
“You learn what kind of team you have in regional and state competition,” Lafayette coach Pat Thompson said. “We learned that we had some weaknesses, some holes. Still, it was a great season. Going into it, I wasn’t certain we’d even be near the top in the (Bay Rivers) District. I was surprised when we finished the (regular season) at 18-0.”
Lafayette had beaten Courtland 4-0 in a pre-season scrimmage. Winning coach Amy Anderson said the team she fielded Tuesday night was vastly different from the one she had in August. It was also different from the team that lost to Lafayette in last year’s Region I tournament.
“We hung our heads after that August scrimmage,” Anderson said. “Then we picked ourselves up. Lafayette was so strong last year, we were sort of scared and wide-eyed. Yes, kids remember things like that 4-0 loss.”
The Rams fired nine shots at Courtland keeper Megan McCullough, but they failed to convert on eight corner shots, four in each half. Lafayette spent much of the first half pressuring the Cougars, coming agonizingly close on five occasions. In the second half, Lafayette had only four reasonably good chances. *
COURTLAND 3, LAFAYETTE 0
Halftime — 1-0. Goals — Heslop 2, Gunnoa. Assists — Quinn, Numberger. Saves — Lafayette, Earley 5; Courtland, McCullough 9. Records — Lafayette 20-2, Courtland 19-3.
ALL-REGION
First team: Kellie Jenkins, Lafayette; Chandon Hudgins, Lafayette; Dana Kuth, Tabb; Sam Wesser, Jamestown; Lauren Giles, Jamestown; Lindsey Baynham, Grafton; Anna Roberts, York.
Second team: Maddie Lyerly, Lafayette; Jessica Saha, Bruton; Kat Olsen, Poquoson; Taylor King, Tabb; Lynsi Matthews, Jamestown; Erin Beechel, Grafton; Sam Colandrea, Grafton.
