Blazers reign over Northwest in first round of playoffs

BLAZER STADIUM, Oct. 26 -

Despite playing in tough conditions on a soaking-wet field, the Blair girls' varsity soccer team pulled out a 3–0 victory against Northwest in the first round of the Montgomery County playoffs on Thursday, Oct. 25.

The wet conditions proved to be difficult for both Blair and Northwest, as neither team held possession for more than a few passes. After a few minutes of initial confusion, the Blair defense, led by junior Molly Brune, senior co-captain Lizzie Horne and sophomore Imani Pierre, held Northwest scoreless for the entire half. The Blazer offense was unable to capitalize, missing several scoring opportunities.

Head coach Bob Gibb reflected on the initial confusion of the first half. "The first minute or two, our defense was in disarray," he said. "We just weren't quite ready."

By the second half, the Blazers had adjusted to the weather and scored all three of their goals as a small but enthusiastic crowd cheered them on. Still, Northwest remained unable to cope with the conditions. The Jaguars could not maintain ball possession in the second half, allowing Blair dictate the pace of the game and net three quick goals.

Blair's first goal came in the second minute of the second half when junior co-captain Annie Worden fired a shot from the right side of the goal. Northwest's goalkeeper could not hold on to the would-be save, and freshman Sofia Read seized the opportunity to head the rebound back into the goal, giving Blair a 1–0 lead.

Worden threaded a pass through the Northwest defense to freshman Saleiha Mayer-Marks for Blair's second goal. "That second goal we scored was nice," Worden said. "Overall, we moved the ball really well."

Worden finally got the opportunity to score on her own on a penalty kick midway through the second half. The kick bounced off the left post and found its way past the Northwest goalie to give Blair a 3–0 lead.

Gibb noticed his team's transformation between the halves. "I don't know what happened," he said. "The second half, we scored that quick goal. It really picked us up."

Two of Blair's three goals this game were scored by freshmen, which Gibb was pleased with. "It's great to have two freshmen score goals. Every player has proven themselves." The goals from the freshmen were also a testament to the Blazers' strong teamwork. "Everybody got to play," Gibb said. "We might not have the great players that some of the other teams have, but they don't have the supporting cast that we have."

The victory reinforced the team's perfect home record so far this season.

Blair's varsity girls' soccer team plays its second playoff game at Wootton on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.