Warriors slam Blazers

OCT. 15, BLAZER STADIUM—

This afternoon, ominous storm clouds hung over Blazer Stadium throughout the girls' soccer team's tough loss to the Sherwood Warriors. The chilly weather mirrored the mood on the field, as the girls' weak offense allowed the Warriors to rest on two goals scored during the first half and eventually win the match 0-2.

Despite good defense from the Blair side, particularly in senior Tina Kariya and junior Sarah Rumbaugh, the Warriors were able to put together several successful pass sequences and authoritative shots to get an early lead. Blair offense, on the other hand, suffered from a lack of energy and aggression, and shot only three times at Sherwood's goal in the first half, while the Blair goal was far busier with 11 shots in the first half alone.

The first 20 minutes of the first half found Sherwood and Blair to be equals, both keeping their goals firmly guarded and fighting viciously for possession of the ball. However, in the 21st minute, Sherwood forwards convened on the Blair goal, and one player was able to produce a high shot that flew just over the outstretched hands of leaping keeper and senior Julia Simon-Mishel and into the back of the net.

With somewhat bruised confidence after the first goal, the Blazers loosened up their defense a bit, while Sherwood's defense did just the opposite, allowing only a few players past the midfield throughout the rest of the half. Blair's best attempt to score came through quick forward sophomore Danielle Peck, who has scored many of Blair's most critical goals this season. She charged at the Warrior's keeper in the 38th minute, passing her but unfortunately surrendering to an aggressive Sherwood defender.

In the 40th minute, another Sherwood forward got close to the goal and was able to draw Simon-Mishel to the side and get a shot by her to the left of the goal. Just after the goal was scored, Simon-Mishel was able to redeem herself and her team through an impressive block of an equally strong penalty kick from Sherwood.

After such a busy first half, the second was relatively uneventful. Sherwood defense remained nearly impenetrable, while Blair again was not able to take advantage of chances to score which they set up for themselves. The second half wore down quickly, and put an end to Blair's tough fourth loss of the season.

The Blazers next game is Monday, Oct. 18 at Walter Johnson at 7:00 p.m.