Lady Panthers best Owls
By Matt Pelkey
Rappahannock's girls came into their own on Tuesday, beating Wakefield Country Day School 3-1 in the Lady Panthers' second game of the season.
Rappahannock's offense charged at the Owls' goal throughout the game, firing shot after shot.
A textbook cross from midfielder Megan Wheatley to forward Hannah Rosenbaum notched the first goal for the Panthers.
Rappahannock's defense hovered at midfield and sent any balls that the Owls kicked free back up to the team's forwards, who feverishly worked them toward the goal. Panther defender Kara Corbin stepped up time and again with a big foot that put an end to many of Wakefield's attempts to break through.
The Owl's offense played a smart passing game, but it didn't match well against the aggressive Rappahannock offense.
The Owls found the greatest success in frenzied runs by forward Katherine Russo, who displayed nimble foot work and a strong kick. Even though Russo's break-aways didn't bring any goals, they ripped the ball away from the Panthers and gave the Owls opportunities to shoot.
"I expected a tough match," said Wakefield head coach Nick Pfautz. "I heard from some of my players that they have a good squad."
Rappahannock's last game -- a season-opening 2-0 loss to Warren County -- showed a promising defense that could stand up against a team that last year whomped the Panthers 8-0. Rappahannock's offense, however, struggled to control the ball in the game, and made only short, spastic runs past the mid-field line.
On Tuesday, the girls' defense proved that their stand against Warren wasn't beginner's luck, and the offense demonstrated strides in improvement.
"They possess all the way up the field," said the Panthers' head coach Dave Gillis.
Gillis, who worked his team four out of the five days the players had off for spring break last week, said he believes his team will continue to advance.
E-mail the reporter at mpelkey@timespapers.com.