Lakeland falls in seniors’ farewell
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 15, 2002
Diana Golden scored the game’s only goal with 27:33 to play in the first half as Hampton’s Kecoughtan High School defeated host Lakeland (6-6, 6-1) 1-0 on Monday afternoon. It was the second time the season that the Lady Warriors had defeated the Lady Cavaliers, as they also won in the final of the season-opening Lakeland Invitational Tournament in early September.
The game was the home farewell for Lady Cavaliers Kelley Dunn and Erin Bradley. &uot;It’s sad, but it’s been fun,&uot; said Dunn, opening the presents given to her by her teammates, which included an autographed stick and personalized jacket.
A hopeful enrollee at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dunn played on the var- sity squad for two seasons. &uot;Most of the team is younger girls, so they should play well next year,&uot; she said.
Bradley, who hopes to continue her field hockey career at Virginia Wesleyan or Lynch-burg College, was depressed after the game.
&uot;I’m just upset that I won’t be playing with my friends anymore,&uot; she said. &uot;But I think we’ll win the district.&uot;
Lakeland and Nansemond River are tied for the Southeastern district lead. On Wednesday, both teams play away. Lakeland will face Hickory, which handed Nanse-mond River its only loss. Nansemond River will visit Indian River.
If one team wins and the other loses, the winner will be the district champion. If both teams win, they will play a playoff. If both lose, Hickory will become a factor, as the Lady Hawks have only two losses.
Golden’s goal came on an assist from Lauren Hebert. She took Hebert’s pass at the 25-yard line, and bolted into the left side of the circle.
Christine Pruitt hurried toward her, but Golden edged around her to the right.
As Lakeland goalkeeper Kelsey Cutchins raced forward, Golden managed to poke the ball back to the left, and it rolled into the goal.