Suffolk News-Herald

Darryl Yandle, who led the Nansemond River girls soccer team to its first-ever Southeastern District playoff berth, was voted the 2002-2003 district coach of the year by the district coaches.

&uot;I was very honored,&uot; said Yandle, who in the fall took the River field hockey team to the district playoffs. &uot;I felt that my team had probably improved the most, and if the coaches based it on that, I had a chance. I’ve got some great junior varsity kids that will probably be moving up, and we look to set our goals a little bit higher this year.

&uot;We wanted to make the playoffs this year, and we did it. Next year, we’ll have to set our goals at the beginning of the season, but I’d like to finish in the top three next year.&uot;

The Lady Warriors, led by All-District selections Gabby Ferr-aioli, Virginia Donovan and Courtney Jackson, became the first River squad to defeat Western Branch this season.