As the Ladyhawks prepared for their final game of the season against the first place Redhots, they were hoping to not repeat their weekly scenario of playing shorthanded.  However, when two of their starting defensive players got lost on their way to Spotsylvania, Virginia, the Ladyhawks played with only nine players for the entire first half.  As expected, the results were a disaster.

The Redhots who led the league with most goals scored (35) and fewest goals allowed (4), had the younger and smaller Ladyhawks bottled up and back on their heels.  Trailing 4-0 at the half, it looked like a very, very long day.  However, when help arrived in the form of their two lost players at halftime, the Ladyhawks were energized as they took the field for the second half.

In the second half, the Ladyhawks came out flying.  Despite having only eleven players and no subs, the Ladyhawks controlled the play for the first thirty minutes.  With no less than eight golden scoring opportunities, the hawks were nevertheless unable to break through.  Throwing everything they had at the net and with the Ladyhawks pushed up, the Redhots were able to counter and convert on two through balls late in the game to seal the contest.

In the final analysis, it's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.  There is no question that the Ladyhawks have played at a distinct disadvantage this entire season.  In all but one game, the Ladyhawks have played with the minimum eleven players or, as was most often the case, shorthanded.  Yet, the Ladyhawks chose to play-on!

While our record and goals against average may not have measured up to our usual Ladyhawks standards, the effort put forth by each end every one of our Ladyhawks was outstanding!  As I have so often said: A person is not finished when they are defeated, They are finished when they quit.  Clearly, there was no quit in these Ladyhawks.

It has been said that: adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.  Without a doubt, the Character, Dedication, & Determination displayed by these Ladies will undoubtedly lead to a successful and satisfying season when we again take the field in the spring.  THANK YOU Ladies for a job well done!

"Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: "I will try again tomorrow." 

 At Sunday’s rematch with the Stafford Wild Katz, the Ladyhawks were optimistic about their chances.  Earlier in the week, thirteen ladies had responded that they definitely would be available for action.  However, at game time, only eleven answered the call.  By game’s end, injuries would force the Ladyhawks to play shorthanded.  The end result was a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Wild Katz in our final home game of the season.

Clearly, the Ladyhawks matched up well with the Wild Katz.  However, on a beautiful and blustery fall morning, even the elements conspired to undo the Ladyhawks best efforts.  The Wild Katz scored the first and ultimately game winning goal midway through the first half.  On a seemingly routine shot from about 25 yards out, the wind caught the ball, which continued to sail up, up and away from goalkeeper Cari, into the upper right hand corner of the net.  Despite this setback, the Ladyhawks continued to press the offensive and actually controlled most of the offensive play in the first half.  However, the injury sustained to Taylor Williams ankle in the first half would ultimately doom the Ladyhawks comeback.

In the second half, Taylor’s gradually worsening injury required that she be pulled from the lineup and the Ladyhawks were forced to play the remainder of the game shorthanded.  While the Ladyhawks would ultimately lose this contest, the outstanding effort put forth by these Ladyhawks should not go unmentioned.  Taylor Williams, Sara Hamby & Kalee Stine gave their usual outstanding efforts on offense.  Leigh Molitoris, Ashley Mercado, Sierra Barnett and Cari Toman played their usual brand of tough tenacious defense.  The midfield composed of Erica Crutchfield, Dani Costa, Christina Marsh, & Ashley Stansbury were solid throughout. 

Viewed in its entirety, coach Dennis summed up the effort in this way: “We have great potential!”  The numbers have killed us this season.  When we can put enough players on the field and play at equal strength with available substitutes, we can compete with anyone.

With one game remaining in this season, the Ladyhawks are already looking ahead to the spring season.  A season in which the Ladyhawks will take the field with a full roster, ready to go and hungry with scores to settle.

"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds."

This was the situation that faced the Ladyhawks as they prepared to take on the DSC Warriors on Sunday.  For a variety of reason, some explainable and some not, the Ladyhawks were only able to muster seven healthy and willing players for their game against the Warriors. 

At game time, the Ladyhawks started with the bare minimum number of players (seven) allowed under FIFA Rules and they were forced to start without ANY of their starting defensive fullbacks.  As a result, the Ladyhawks began with Cari in goal and midfielders Sara, Erica, & Christina on defense.  Kalee & Dani in the midfield, and Taylor at forward.

The Ladyhawks down eleven players to seven, withstood the onslaught until almost eleven minutes into the contest before they surrendered the first goal.  By halftime, the Ladyhawks trailed 4-0.  Refusing to quit, the Ladyhawks took the field in the second half and played almost ten additional minutes before surrendering the fifth goal.  On that play, Cari re-injured her ribs which had been bruised in the first half when she made another of her patented OUTSTANDING sliding saves. 

Unable to continue, under FIFA rules, the Ladyhawks were forced to retire when they fell below the minimum number of players required for play to continue.

Much the same as it was last season, the Ladyhawks maintain a core of hardworking and dedicated players.  It has been said that: "It's not what happens to you, but how you react that matters" and that "although fate presents the circumstances, how you react depends on your character."  Clearly, these Ladyhawks continue to come up hugh in the character department.

The Ladyhawks have already proven that when they are able to field a complete team, they are able to compete with ANYONE.  Unfortunately, due to the lack of healthy players, that has not been the case in any of our games this season.  Yet, those players who continue to give so much of themselves can take pride in their accomplishments.  Thank you for a great effort against impossible odds.

As a direct result, the Ladyhawks entered this weekend’s contests with only ten players available for action.  In Saturday’s contest against the Thunder Flash, the Ladyhawks began without their starting goalie and only one defensive starter.  Despite a fabulous THREE GOAL game by Taylor Williams, too many Ladyhawks were forced to play unfamiliar positions, resulting in a 6-3 loss to the high scoring Thunder Flash.

Following the game, a meeting was held to discuss the possibility of forfeiting Sunday’s game.  However, in true Ladyhawk fashion, the players decided to give it their best shot and make the trip for a 9:00 AM contest against the Calverton Clash.

In the Sunday contest, the Ladyhawks were again without their starting goalie.  To make matters worse, Ashley Queen the backup goalie was playing with a broken right hand.  With a myriad of other injuries to other players, the Ladyhawks nevertheless played brilliantly.  Starting with only nine players, the Ladyhawks held the Clash scoreless until the forty-fourth minute of the first half; when a rebounding save by Ashley deflected directly to an unguarded Clash player who scored from six yards out.  

In the second half, despite a shot off the crossbar by Taylor and several other excellent chances by Ashley Mercado and CJ, the beleaguered Ladyhawks finally ran out of gas and gave up two late goals in a 3-0 loss.

On a brighter note, Sunday’s valiant effort almost resulted in a catastrophic loss for the Ladyhawks when Ashley Queen went down with what appeared to be a possible broken left ankle.  However, after several tense hours in the ER, X-rays proved negative.

So at the end of a dreary and disappointing weekend, the Ladyhawks may have finally caught a glimpse of a silver lining behind all the clouds.  The NOT too serious injury to Ashley certainly lifts all our spirits.  In the coming weeks, we hope to sign several additional players to help bolster our ranks.  Additionally, with three weeks until our next game and hopefully time to mend, I have no doubt that when we take the field with a whole and healthy squad we'll be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the season.

 

For the second consecutive season, the Ladyhawks found themselves on the road for their season opener.  On Sunday, September 10th, the Ladyhawks traveled 90 miles to Purcellville, Virginia, to take on the Loudoun Linx.  Unfortunately, just like last season’s opener, the Ladyhawks entered the contest with a tired and shorthanded team. 

With the SMAC High School season in full swing, many of our girls were coming off a two game tournament the previous day.  The Ladyhawks also found themselves without several other key players including one of their starting forwards who had to be scratched at the last minute due to a leg injury.  These factors, combined with the excellent play of their opponent, resulted in a 3-1 season opening loss.

On an extremely hot Sunday afternoon, the Ladyhawks began the game with only twelve players.  To make matters worse, the lack of any practice time together resulted in some early disorganized play.  As a result, two early goals were scored on our usually dominant defense.  As the game wore on, Taylor Williams tallied the Ladyhawks first and only goal of the game.  Energized by the goal, the Ladyhawks regained their composure and carried much of the play for the remainder of the first half with several golden scoring opportunities to tie.

In the second half, the physical play, fatigue, and the heat of the day gradually took its toll on the Ladyhawks.  Midway through the second half, a Linx played collected an unlucky deflection of a pass off a Ladyhawk defender.  Left uncovered, she scored easily from about six yards out to ostensibly clinch the game.  Although the Ladyhawks hung tough throughout the remainder of the game, lady luck was not on the Ladyhawks side, and they were unable to convert several late scoring opportunities.

While disappointed by the loss, the Ladyhawks have much to build upon.  The aggressive play of New Ladyhawks Kalee Stein and Sabrina Jimenez make them excellent additions to our Ladyhawk Family.  Additionally, the Ladyhawks did not suffer any other injuries during Sunday’s contest and by next week the Ladyhawks should be fully healthy and ready to make their presence felt in the U-19 division.

It has been said that: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."  The Ladyhawks created one of those moments today with an incredible come from behind victory over the Calverton Clash.

As game time approached, the Ladyhawks found themselves in an all too familiar position, playing shorthanded.  Their opponent, the Calverton Clash had arrived at Webster Lane a full one hour prior to game time with a fully loaded squad of eighteen girls.  By game time, the Ladyhawks managed to gather only eleven Ladyhawks.  Knowing full well that there would be no substitutes, the Ladyhawks had to control the tempo of the play.  For the better part of the first half they succeeded brilliantly. With quick passes and excellent play by the defense, the Ladyhawks out hustled the Clash and maintained a decided edge in offensive opportunities.  Ladyhawk Forwards Taylor Williams, Chelsie Josephs (CJ), & Sara Hamby were able to generate multiple scoring opportunities.  The Midfielders composed of Erica Crutchfield, Christina Marsh, Danielle Costa, & Kalee Stine, played outstanding transition ball, while keeping the offensive pressure on. 

At about 35 minutes into the game and with the Clash substituting freely, their fresh legs allowed them to break past the defense and down the right sideline.  As the defense attempted to rotate into position, the ball was crossed to an unguarded forward; who banged a ball passed a diving Cari for a 1-0 lead.  Undaunted by this turn of events, the Ladyhawks resumed their ball control game and finished the first half trailing by only one goal.

In the second half, the Clash continued to substitute frequently in hopes of running the Ladyhawks out of gas.  However, the Ladyhawks stuck to their game plan and held the Clash at bay.  Although most of the play remained in the midfield, the Ladyhawk defense anchored by the outstanding play of Ashley Mercado, Ashley Queen, goalie Cari Toman, & Newest Ladyhawk Pilar Brown, continued to create offensive opportunities by pressing forward.

With only ten minutes remaining in the contest, Taylor evened the score when she fired a grass burner from about 18 yards out that got under the diving Clash goalie.  Flying high from their dramatic tying goal, the Ladyhawks continued to press the offensive.  With only minutes remaining, CJ gathered a pass and raced down the right side.  As the defense attempted to react, CJ cut the ball back to the middle.  From sixteen yards out, CJ fired a high and hard shot on frame.  The Clash goalie, with arms extended dove to her left.  However, CJ’s shot deflected just off the goalies fingertips and into the upper right corner of the net for the game winner.

Without a doubt, this victory was one of the sweetest and most hard fought victories in Ladyhawk history.   The win also ties the Ladyhawks for First Place with six points in this young WAGS season.

To each and every one of our Ladyhawks who played their hearts out, the coaching staff THANKS YOU for your amazing effort.  Week in and week out, regardless of the odds, your effort continues to reveal your character, heart, & determination.

It’s been said before, but worth repeating: 
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Thank you for continuing to prove exactly what lies within you.

GO LADYHAWKS!