The Lord Botetourt soccer teams traveled to Crozet last week for a girls-boys state Class 3 quarterfinal doubleheader. Both LB squads came up a goal short, as the girls lost 1-0 and the boys dropped a 2-1 decision.
“The girls played their hearts out in a hard-fought game,” said LB coach Giuseppe D’Arpa. “The girls never gave up and the coaches are very proud of them.”
The game was scoreless at the half. Western Albemarle scored the only goal of the game with just under 12 minutes on the clock in the second half. LB keeper Olivia Assenat had a solid game in the goal to keep the Cavaliers in it.
Botetourt finished the season 12-4-4. Western Albemarle went on to win the state championship, defeating Brentsville District, 3-0, in Saturday’s championship game at Roanoke College.
“As coaches we set goals for the girls at the beginning of the season,” said D’Arpa. “We accomplished the majority of them. We played a tough schedule, which made us stronger for the regular and post-season. Our jayvee program also had a great season, going undefeated. We’re very proud of both programs and looking forward to next season.”
In the second game of the state quarterfinal doubleheader, the boys fell behind 2-0, then cut the lead to a single goal when Kyle Wood scored off a set piece from Zach Durham. The host Warriors were able to hold off LB for the remainder of the time to take the win and advance to the state semifinal.
“It was an exciting game to watch for sure,” said LB coach Tim Wright. “At the final whistle there was some disappointment that set in. However, I was extremely proud walking off that field knowing the success this year’s team accomplished.”
The Cavaliers finished the season with a 13-3-3 record. Botetourt had 14 different goal scorers for the season and placed six on the All-Region 3D team.
Western Albemarle lost to eventual state champion Cave Spring, 1-0, in the state semifinal Saturday at Roanoke College.
“We competed against a team that had way more experience than us in this level of competition,” said Wright. “To hold a team who has a history of winning state titles to such a tight game is a reflection of the quality program we have here in Botetourt.”
