Nov. 3, QUINCE ORCHARD— After conquering Damascus and Watkins Mill in the first two rounds of playoffs and then making history as the first girls soccer team at Blair to reach the regional semifinals, the Blazers could not manage to outplay Quince Orchard in the third round. Their 1-0 loss to the Cougars marked the end of a tremendous season for Blair that was characterized by close games, frustrating losses and vengeful victories.
Nov. 1, WATKINS MILL— The Blazers made history tonight in their victory over the Watkins Mill Wolverines (10-5-1) as the first varsity girls soccer team to win two rounds of playoffs and make it to semifinals since Blair was established in 1935. Although the final score was tight at 1-0, the Blazers played with heart and intensity through the final seconds, and their record now stands at 7-6-1.
Oct. 21, BLAZER STADIUM— For senior night, dozens of enthusiastic fans came to cheer on the Blazers during their 3-0 victory over the Einstein Titans. Across the field, an enormous sign saying "we love our seniors" hung from the bleachers, and several players baked soccer-themed cakes and made posters to express their appreciation. The festive atmosphere carried over to the game, as the Blazers' played with intensity and positive attitudes.
Oct. 11, BLAZER STADIUM— For the first time this season the girls' varsity soccer team took control of a close game, securing a 2-1 win over the Northwest Jaguars. Previously, Blair's victories had consisted of complete shutouts over clearly less talented teams, or close losses against evenly-matched teams. Tonight, however, the Blazers showed a determination to end their losing streak and prove that they can win games against challenging opponents.
Oct. 5, BLAZER STADIUM— Luck was not on Blair's side tonight in their 0-1 loss to the Watkins Mill Wolverines, a game which highlighted the difference between effort and results. Although Blair generally dominated the play of the game and kept the ball in their possession the majority of the time, the Blazers could not manage to net a goal, not only during regulation, but also during the almost 20 minutes of extended time afterwards. After 80 minutes of regulation there was a 0-0 score, forcing two frustrating overtimes, which ended abruptly with a devastating goal by the Wolverines. Blair's record now stands at a 2-4-1.
Sept. 28, BLAZER STADIUM— The girls' varsity soccer team established their superiority over Springbrook by demonstrating an intense offensive drive in tonight's 5-0 blowout. Despite having to recover from yesterday's frustrating tie to Blake, Blair came out strong against a weaker opponent and dominated. Contributions from star senior Sophie Esparza as well rising forward Annie Worden helped Blair to take control of the game from almost the very start.
Sept. 22, BLAZER STADIUM— The Blazers suffered a tough 1-2 loss tonight to the Quince Orchard Cougars, bringing their record to 1-3. Although Blair started out strong in the first half and scored the opening goal, the Cougars came out on top in the second and took home the win. Poor offensive continuity and several defensive lapses in the second half were responsible for Blair's loss.
Sept. 13, BLAZER STADIUM— Churchill's dominating ball control and advantageous speed proved invaluable in the Bulldog's 1-0 victory over the Blair varsity girls' soccer team tonight. Despite the Blazers' consistent, solid defense and their fierce offensive drive during the final minutes of the game, Churchill maintained their composure, their lead and a shutout throughout the game.
As the final minutes of the fourth quarter slip away, senior Andrew Beach sprints down the field, cradling the lacrosse ball in his stick and searching for an opportunity to score against Sherwood on May 1 of last year. Without warning, an opponent decks him from the side, sending Beach into a flip. His flight ends abruptly when his skull smashes against the ground. He lies motionless on his back.
"Nice to meet you, Angela. I am your father," the man says to his eight-year-old daughter. Angela looks at him uneasily—she has no memory of the unfamiliar man in her living room. And now, the father she never knew is standing right in front of her.
When President George W. Bush ordered the U.S. invasion of Iraq, heinsisted that Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destructionand supporting international terrorism. These key justifications forgoing to war turned out to be false. We must now question thecompetence and integrity of a president who continues to pursuemisguided foreign and domestic policies.