The Woodson Cavaliers opened the 2012 field hockey regular season with an inspiring 2 – 0 win over the visiting Chantilly Chargers at Woodson’s Pat Cunningham Stadium Wednesday night. The win marked a successful debut for Woodson’s first year coach Meg Jarrell, who assumed Cavs head coaching duties earlier this year.
Woodson jumped out to an early lead in the game when junior Alex Lightfoot scored the season’s first goal only three minutes into the game. Lightfoot’s score came off a rebound of senior Megan Smiga’s shot from the near the top of the shooting circle. The goal proved to be the only score the Cavs needed, despite Chantilly’s pressuring offense which threatened throughout the game.
The Chargers controlled play in Woodson’s end much of the contest and dominated in short corner plays. Woodson’s defense, led by senior goalie Jessica Peckins who shut down Chantilly’s offense all night, withstood the pressure to hold Chantilly scoreless for 60 minutes.
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Woodson sealed the victory when sophomore Jasmine Kim scored at the 22 minute mark of the second half to move the Cavs’ lead to 2 - 0. Chantilly continued to attack in Woodson’s end late in the game, but the Chargers could not break through on the scoreboard.
Woodson’s win over Chantilly helps Coach Jarrell’s Cavs enter this weekend’s “Under the Lights” tournament at Robert E. Lee High in Springfield on a positive note. Woodson will play four games over the weekend, including a rematch against the Chargers.
