Starting their second rotation through the Bull Run district, the George Mason High School varsity girls soccer team rolled over Manassas Park last Tuesday, 10-0, to remain undefeated at 5-0. However, a familiar face remains twice on their schedule, as the Mustangs still have to face defending state runner-up Clarke County twice in the next two weeks.
The Mason offense has stayed true to its usual juggernaut form, and, in addition to blasting the Cougars on Tuesday, took down Strasburg last Friday, 8-0. The Mustangs have not scored fewer than eight goals in any district game this season, and have only allowed one.
Senior Olivia Scott, who has committed to play at Division III Messiah next fall, led the offensive assault over Manassas with two goals and one assist. Junior Mayssa Chehata put up similarly impressive numbers, putting two past the Cougar keeper and adding one assist.
Coach Jennifer Parsons’ team entered the season with three goalies but, with the ball normally played on the complete opposite side of the field, the Mustangs have stuck with a platoon of junior Caitlin Sickler and senior Rebecca Jackson in the net. The other goalie, senior Lauren Jekowsky, demonstrated some of Mason's incredible versatility, as she came out into the field for the Manassas game, scoring two goals.
Midfield freshmen Violet Miller and Elle Silverman continued their strong district campaign, scoring one apiece, while senior captain Rachel Kazman, sophomore forward Karen Hamill and junior Virginia Fresne tacked on the final goals.
“We have been playing very good soccer lately. The girls have been growing together very well,” said Parsons. “We’ve had a couple major injuries, which have been tough, but the depth of this team has definitely shown in the last couple games.”
The injuries referred to were suffered in the past couple of weeks, with senior Stephanie Pinch tearing her ACL last week against Rappahannock and junior Madeline Nooter going down with a broken ankle.
Despite the personnel losses, the Mason record remained untarnished as they romped over host Strasburg, 8-0. The Rams, in just their first year ever fielding a girls varsity soccer team, was no match for the experienced Mustangs.
Scott, Miller and sophomore Kelley Frank each had two goals, while Scott added one assist. Chehata and Hamill shared the same stat line, each of whom had one goal and two assist on the night. Junior Kim Kenny rounded out the attack with one assist. In goal, Jekowsky and Jackson locked down what few opportunities the Ram forwards could muster, sharing the shutout.
On Friday, the Mustangs will take on Madison County at home, in what will serve as a tune-up for the showdown with Clarke on Monday. The Mountaineers are the only Bull Run team thus far to score a goal against Mason.
However, it seems to be a two-horse race in the Bull Run, as Mason (6-3-1 overall) and Clarke County (8-2) will square off next Monday in Berryville in a battle of the 5-0 district teams. The rivals faced each other four times last year, with the Eagles taking every contest. However, with the revamped offense, Parsons is excited about her team’s chances going into Monday’s contest.
