Girls' Soccer decisively defeats Springbrook

OCT. 4, BLAZER STADIUM—

After weeks of frustratingly close games stretching into double overtime and painfully lopsided losses, this 3-0 shut-out win for the Blair girls' soccer team was like a breath of fresh air, invigorating a talented young team which has faced multiple set-backs this season with optimism and a never-give-up attitude.

Especially in the first half, the Blazers played with an unprecedented amount of energy and moxie, punctuated by the infinitely impressive performance of sophomore striker Danielle Peck, who scored all three of Blair's goals with the help of strong lateral passes from fellow teammates.

Peck attributes her remarkable three goals to teamwork and use of the entire field. "I was in the center a lot. I had some pretty good crosses," she said. Peck's first goal came in the 13th minute off of a toss from junior Maddie Driskill and a beautiful cross kick from junior Cate Rassman. Peck suddenly came out of nowhere and rushed the goal, using her chest to push the ball in as it hovered at an awkward height just in front of her, too high to kick in and too low to head.

While offense was stellar this game, Blazer defense also excelled. Junior Sarah Rumbaugh was dominant both verbally and physically, spurring her team on and giving them advice all while defending the goal like an impenetrable brick wall. With defense taken care of, the Blair girls were able to put most of their focus into offense, where they have been relatively inconsistent all season.

The match began energetically as the Blazers immediately hammered the Blue Devils' defense. Senior captain Vicky Dean attempted a cross-kick assist to senior Tina Kariya in the 10th minute, but was unsuccessful. Only minutes later Peck made her break-through goal, perhaps inspired by Dean's earlier attempt.

Once Blair was up 1-0, they let up a bit on offense and played through the rest of the first half quietly, despite an aggressive charge and shot from sophomore Emma Liebmann which missed by inches.

The second half of the match started much like the first, as the Blazers quickly motivated their offense. In the sixth minute, Peck scored her second goal after charging at Springbrook's goalie, who could not handle Peck's quick footwork and aggressive shot-making and let the ball trickle through. After Peck's second goal, the Blazer offense settled down a bit, and the team's recurring reluctance to shoot showed through.

After several weak shots and poor footwork, the Blazers looked tired and worn. Peck, however, gave them reason to keep their swagger when she scored her third and final goal on a quick solo shot just before the two minute mark. When the referee's whistle sounded, the Blazers met in the middle of the field for hugs, smiles and general celebration over their dominant first win of the season.

The Blazers' next game is Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Watkins Mill at 5:00 p.m.