Sports

Rebels Rally Past Cougars 3-1

Fairfax field hockey takes on Oakton.

Written by Mike Cosgrove. Share your sports news by emailing whitney@patch.com.

The Oakton Cougars (4-3) played host to the Fairfax Rebels (4-0) Friday night to finish off the last week before district play begins. 

The Rebels were able to press the Oakton goal early in the game, but were unable to crack a stout Oakton defense, despite drawing 11 first-half penalty corners. Despite the possession advantage, it was the Cougars who would get on the board first. Oakton senior captain Melissa Shebat split the Rebel defense on a fast counter attack and was able to beat charging Rebel goalie Mac Anderson to score. The goal was the first against the Fairfax defense this season, and gave the Cougars a 1-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Rebels continued to try to solve Oakton senior captain goalie Ciara Cooney, who would finish the game with 11 saves. The second half featured an increase in intensity and physical play. The Rebels would tie the game at 1 when junior Emily Freeman scored after receiving a pass from senior captain Shannon Cosgrove. The Rebels would take the lead on a penalty corner when senior captain Sam Zelenack inserted the ball to junior Sara Allen whose cross found Cosgrove in front of the goal for the score. 

The Rebels would score an insurance goal late in the game on a scramble in front of the Oakton goal. After Oakton goalie Cooney made a save, Cosgrove was able to feed Zelenack who lifted a ball over the sprawled goalie and into the goal.

Oakton responded and finished the game applying pressure to the Rebel goal, drawing multiple penalty corners and shooting balls on goal. Rebel goalie Mac Anderson was up to the task, making 3 saves down the stretch, as was Fairfax sophomore defender Meg Robertson who made a defensive save in front of the Rebels goal.

The Rebels (5-0) begin defense of their Liberty District Title Wednesday when they travel to Thomas Jefferson The Cougars (4-4) travel to Woodson mid-week to play the Cavaliers before opening up their district schedule next Friday night at Westfield.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here