The George Mason High School girls soccer team defeated Strasburg High School 7-1 last Thursday. The girls went on to play 27 minutes of the first half of their game against Clarke County High School Tuesday, a game they were winning 3-1 until the thunderstorms rolled in and the game was rescheduled for Wednesday.
Mason beat Strasburg handily, with freshman Ava Roth scoring two goals, junior Hailey Thomas making a goal off of a penalty kick, senior captain Leah Roth earning a hat trick, and sophomore Camille Rice scoring a final point.
Strasburg was able to score one goal, but it didn’t affect the control of the game as Mason continued to weave passes through Strasburg’s defense.
Senior Night ceremonies took place at Tuesday’s home game against Clarke County. Senior players Leah Roth and Nicole Philbin, and manager Taylor Ford, with their parents by their side, walked down the field as their future plans for college were announced and they were honored for their accomplishments in soccer.
“After five years in the Mason soccer program and having my final year as one of two seniors and a captain, this year was challenging but fun at the same time,” Philbin said. “I want to make sure that my class, 2012, goes out with a bang in the games to come.”
Despite Clarke County controlling momentum for the first five minutes, Mason struck first when Ava Roth crossed the ball to Leah Roth, who ran onto the bouncing ball and headed it above the charging goalie.
“My years at Mason and on the soccer team went by so fast,” Leah Roth said. “It’s hard to know that I won’t be on the Mason soccer team next year, but will be playing college soccer. It’s exciting yet I will miss all the memories and friendships I have made on the soccer team at Mason.”
“I’m really going to miss the seniors because they are the key leadership of the team and it’s not going to be the same without them next year,” Rice said.
The competitiveness between the teams was evident and this game was no exception to the roughness these rivals face constantly. Sophomore Claire Trevisan managed to fight through it, though, as she leaped for a header off of a corner kick. The header was placed conveniently between the goalkeeper and the defender on the post, allowing it to glide into the back of the net.
Shortly after, Rice received a through ball by Leah Roth which she beat her defender in a foot race to get to, allowing her to control the ball and pass it into the far right corner, giving Mason a 3-0 lead. Only moments later, though, Clarke County managed to get a goal off due to a defensive breakdown.
With 13 minutes remaining in the half, lightning caused delays and eventually led to the game’s cancellation.
Mason and Clarke County were scheduled to face each other again Wednesday, but results were not available at press time.
