In Montgomery County’s never-ending quest to measure up in state public school competition, there was good news and bad last week.
The encouraging development was Quince Orchard’s competitive play in a 13-8 loss to state powerhouse Westminster in the 4A/3A North Region championship game.
The discouraging development came two days later as Blake lost to Severna Park, 24-7, in the 4A/3A state semifinals.
QO might have advanced to the state semifinals had it not been for a hot goalie. Westminster’s Erin Will stopped 18 Cougar shots. Thanks to its defense, QO (13-2) had a chance to pounce early, but the Cougars failed to convert five 8-meter shots in the first half and led only 3-2 at intermission.
“We had 10 minutes to win that game and we didn’t take advantage,” said QO coach Jenna Siegel. “But I’m very happy. We were not out-played. Athletically, we were all over them.”
The same could not be said for Blake (13-3), which hung with Severna (16-3) for only the first five minutes before the Falcons rang up five straight goals to take command. Severna did it by winning draws and moving upfield with crisp passes.
“We’re not used to that type of game, where they’re flowing that freely,” said Blake junior Sammy Allen (four goals). “Games in Montgomery County are nothing like that. [Severna] just doesn’t drop the ball.”
The game wasn’t as lopsided as the final score indicated. It was 16-7 midway through the fourth quarter. With its starting lineup still on the field and the Bengals tiring, Severna scored the final eight goals.
“It’s hard in Montgomery,” said Blake coach Nicky Barrett. “Severna Park’s girls have been playing since they were this tall. We don’t even have JV.”
