The George Mason High School girls varsity soccer team continued their district dominance this past week, rolling over Rappahannock County 8-0 to remain undefeated in the Bull Run.
Even though their much-anticipated matchup with defending state runner-up Clarke County was rained out on Monday, the Mustangs released some of their excitement against the Panthers at Moore Cadillac Stadium on Tuesday night. A barrage of first-half goals led to a six-point margin for Mason entering the break, which they never relinquished.
With eight minutes left in the contest, a beautiful corner by senior Rachel Kazman found sophomore Karen Hamill in the middle of the box. Hamill promptly headed the ball into the back of the net for the slaughter-rule decision.
Hamill also scored early in the first half, while senior Olivia Scott netted two goals as well. Kazman, freshman Violet Miller, and juniors Mayssa Chehata and Virginia Fresne tacked on the rest of the Mustang scores in the rout.
After scoring six goals in the first 20 minutes, Mason was held without one for the next 40. However, the Mustang forwards were able to break free from the Panther defense seemingly at will, but shot after shot fell harmlessly into the hands of the Rappahannock keeper.
Strong Mason defense, anchored by goalies Rebecca Jackson and Catlin Sickler, as well as the midfielders, kept the ball on the Panther side of the field for the majority of the game. With juniors Tegan Argo and Abby Stroup back from sickness, the already-experienced defense was at full strength all night.
A scary moment marred the game late in the first half when senior defender Stephanie Pinch was clipped by a Panther player and crumpled to the ground. The transfer from Yorktown High lay there for several minutes before being driven off the field. Early reports indicate a blown-out knee with a possible ACL tear.
Sandwiched within their district schedule, in which Mason has slaughtered every opponent and put up 26 goals in three games, was a non-district contest last Wednesday against AA Briar Woods High.
Two quick Falcon goals put the Mustangs in a quick hole, and the score remained 2-0 for the first 70 minutes. With 10:21 left in the second half, a free kick by junior Kim Kenny was pinned against the top cross-bar by the Briar Woods keeper, but Miller was there to launch the rebound past the defense. The Mustangs would not strike again however, and succumbed by a 2-1 final score.
Mason returns to district play Thursday, April 24 against Strasburg High School, which is fielding a varsity girls team for the first time in the school's history. With a 3-0 district record and their high-powered offense in full gear, it appears as though the only time the Mustangs will be tested will be against Clarke County on senior night on May 13.
