Blazers can't keep up with Cougars

Sept. 26, BLAZER STADIUM-

There was a will but not a way for the JV girl's soccer team on Tuesday night against Quince Orchard. Supported by a small but enthusiastic crowd of parents and schoolmates in the stands, the Blazers fought hard to penetrate Quince Orchard's sturdy defense to no avail as their opponent was in possession of the ball for most of the game and Blair could not keep up with their skilled ball handling and speed. The game ended with the Blazers on the losing end of a 4-0 shutout.

By halftime, the Cougars had managed to seal a safe 3-0 lead over the determined Blazers. Blair's defense seemed to have the hardest job, struggling to fend off Quince Orchard's offense, which easily dribbled past Blair's forward and mid-field players. Freshmen Erica Horne and Rivka Zuares fought Quince Orchard's speed with their aggression on defense, and kept the score from being much higher than the final score of 4-0.

Blair's offense seemed to be most responsible for the defeat, as on the few occasions that they were in possession of the ball, the Blazers bunched in groups and made blind passes to avoid Quince Orchard's aggressive defense. Sophomore co-captain Susie Branson believes that the loss was not a fault of the offense or defense alone. "Our offense needs to learn to work together and our defense had a major lack in communication," she said. "Our heads weren't in the game. Their goals were scored by preventable mistakes on our part."

Though Blair made mistakes, they did not play horribly. Freshman Molly Branson and sophomore co-captains Emily Johnson and Paige Munger worked hard throughout the game to chase down Quince Orchard's agile offense, and even in the face of inevitable defeat, the Blazers did not lose spirit or the will to keep trying. The team has come a long way since their first game of the season, and the team will continue to be tested, as JV will take on Springbrook on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Blair.