The Lord Botetourt and James River girls’ soccer teams were both coming off big seasons in 2019 and hoping to take another step this spring. Instead, the carpet was pulled out from under them before they could take any steps at all.
Lord Botetourt made it to the state Class 3 quarterfinal last year before losing a heartbreaker to Monticello, 1-0, in Charlottesville. Botetourt graduated just four seniors off that team as the Cavaliers went 18-4 and were undefeated for much of the regular season, prompting coach Giuseppe D’Arpa to comment, “We have a great group of young ladies with passion and desire to play the game. The future is very bright for LB girls’ soccer.”
The Cavaliers have six seniors who likely have played their last high school game for LB, Mary-Randall Plunkett, Rachel Phillips, Brianna Paivanas, Allie Plenge, Mackenzie Tuck and Carleigh Booth.
James River has just one senior, Stephanie Vasquez, returning from a team that went to the state Class 2 semifinal last year. The Knights were eliminated by Maggie Walker, a Governor’s School team with an impressive array of talent that went on to win the state championship.
The Knights finished with a 14-6-1 overall record last year, highlighted by a stunning upset of county rival Lord Botetourt in Springwood. The Cavaliers had been undefeated to that point, and the Knights made the state semifinal by upsetting previously undefeated John Battle in the quarterfinal round.
Coach Bill Smith lost some strong players from last year’s squad, including all-state keeper Colleen Peery and the entire back line. However, he had some young talent to build around and was encouraged by a scrimmage against Blacksburg that was played before the season was put on ice.
“I am keeping in touch with my athletes as best I can,” said Smith. “I use text messages or email to communicate with the girls individually and they use a couple of social media apps to keep the group in contact regularly. My assistant coach is a big help keeping up with that part. I encourage the girls to get outside in the fresh air and sun as much as practical. I encourage plenty of exercise to stay fit for the game and for life. It is better to be in top shape if you get this virus.”
While the Virginia High School League has not officially called off the whole season, Smith is not optimistic. There has been talk of a summer tournament of some kind.
Smith has been working from home during the pandemic.
“I am thankful to still have a good job,” he said. “I am working on my own fitness and on my house with the time I would have dedicated to the team. It is a poor substitute, but when you can’t change the situation you make the best of it.”
