Marshall’s athletic programs had their share of bright moments in 2005, including a boys basketball team that provided a thrilling ride all the way to the Virginia Group AAA state semifinals.
It was heady stuff for the Northern Region’s smallest school. But the crowning achievement actually came a few months earlier when the field hockey team shocked everyone by winning the region championship.
It is one year later, but the luster from their own run to the state semifinals hasn’t faded. Despite the loss of star Sam Mills and five other seniors, Marshall is again among the region’s best teams. A repeat is not out of the question.
“We lost a lot of great players from last year’s team, seniors that played a huge role in helping us win the region [championship],” said senior forward Gina Cappiello. “But I don’t really think anything is too different about the way we play. We just find a way to come out on top.”
The Statesmen have a confidence that belies their size and history prior to last season when they had never won so much as a district tournament game. Four times in the past two years they have overcome 2-0 deficits to win, including earlier this month against Mount Vernon when Cappiello scored twice in the final 10 minutes and again in overtime to secure a dramatic win.
Senior midfielder Lauren Byrne is a big part of that success, as well. The playmaker already has seven assists. Cappiello and senior forward Liza Mencarini (three goals) are her favorite targets. Sophomore Amanda Crider is again having a strong season in goal in just her second year playing the position.
“There maybe was some talk at other schools that last year was a fluke for us,” said Marshall coach Christina Carroll. “There may still be some doubt about us now. But we knew we could be a competitive team again. The confidence is there and these girls believe they can be competitive with anyone.”
Another Statement
» Marshall entered last night’s Liberty District showdown at home against No. 3 W.T. Woodson with a 7-2-1 record. The Cavaliers were 9-1 after a 4-0 drubbing of Centreville last Thursday.
Senior forward Gina Cappiello led the Statesmen in scoring as a sophomore and junior with goal totals of 10 and 21, respectively. She already has 18 goals this season.
Marshall senior defender Kelly Wiencek was expected back in the lineup last night against W.T. Woodson, according to coach Christina Carroll. Wiencek had missed four games after suffering a concussion against West Springfield, her second in as many years.
