The scoreboard at Tommy Thompson Field read 2-0 in the favor of the visiting James River Knights but the outcome could only slightly lower the feeling of accomplishment for Head Coach Adrienne Harris and her group of Seniors.
The ceremony and the match were both on the cusp of being washed out when the team bus arrived from James River after the skies opened up once again at 4:00pm.
Credit needs to be given to Athletic Director Kevin DeHaven for getting the Pitch in the best possible playing condition. DeHaven and friends did their best to erase the eight puddles, including the one that was the size of a bath🛁tub in front of the East goal.
Covering the match itself first, the two teams played the opening 40 minutes to a nil-nil tie. JRHS dominated the opening minutes but keeper Alexis Sheffey kept the Knights off the scoreboard. The closing 10 minutes of the opening half favored the Lady Cavaliers but the visitors keeper, Kylee Aaron was equally impressive.
Just five minutes into the second half, Sophomore Sophia Martin launched a perfectly struck shot from 25 yards out that sailed over the outstretched arms of Sheffey for what would prove to be the match winning goal.
James River would duplicate their 2-0 victory from earlier this season when they scored against at 4:12 of the second half. Head Coach Adrienne Harris pulled out all the stops down the stretch, even pulling star defender Karmen Smith to the offensive side of the Pitch.
Back to the seven young Ladies that were celebrated both early and throughout the evening. The group was a mixed bag in regards to time within the program ranging from first year to eight years. Smith is the player that will be playing on a collegiate Pitch next season at Carolina University but the remainder of this group has their sites set pretty high once they leave The Hill.
James Madison University, Appalachian State University, Radford University, University of Virginia and Wytheville Community College will have a Lady Cavaliers feel to them this fall.
The night was full of emotions for first year Coach Adrienne Harris. In place of addressing the match, the question was about what this group of young Ladies have meant for her program.
“Thank you seniors for all the hard work and dedication you have put into this program, ” said Harris. ” We are so thankful for all 7 of you!! Thank you guys for welcoming me with open arms as your new head coach this year and for being an awesome group of leaders!! Good luck in this next chapter of life and I know you all are going to kill it and do great things in life!! Remember once a cavalier always a cavalier!! Come back and visit us!!”
Other highlights included a riveting performance of the National Anthem by Officer Chris Mabry and the Ceremony itself included verbiage from Dr Ben Tickle. The Carroll News sponsored the gate, providing Free Admission for all.
Three nights of regular season Soccer remain and all three will be Free of Charge. Monday night is a Boys Doubleheader beginning at 5:30. It’s Three Musketeers Night as we honor Principal Chuck Thompson, Track 👣 and Field Head Coach Shawn Montgomery ➕ Assistant Coach Jon Delp.
Tuesday night begins at 4:30 with the Girls Varsity playing first. It’s doubling up as our Ben Tickle Goodbye Party 🥳.
Wednesday night will be an extremely rare Varsity only doubleheader with Ches Helmick and Edward Jones covering the gate as both Senior squads taking the Pitch.
A.S.P.N on The Hill 