The James River soccer teams were back on the pitch Monday after a week off for spring break. The boys dropped a 2-0 decision to Eastern Montgomery in Elliston while the girls played at home and shut out Appomattox, 4-0.
In Springwood the girls took control from the start. After a brief attacking drive by the visitors, Payton White won the ball near mid-field and drove the right side of the field, ending with a finish in traffic to put the Knights ahead in just the second minute of the game.
White scored again, at the midpoint of the half, shooting and then converting off the rebound for a 2-0 lead. Shortly thereafter River scored on one of many solid passing combinations with a little help from the Raider defense. Jordyn Simmons and Sonny Sharp combined to feed Avery Saunders for the finish. In an attempt to stop the shot one of the Appomattox defenders got the last touch before the ball went in the net. Sophia Martin closed out the half with a powerful outside shot in the final minute to put River up 4-0 at the half.
The second half saw more solid control and sharp passing by the Knights but no more scoring from either side. Rhaya Kitt had eight saves in goal for the Knights.
Both teams will return to action Thursday for Three Rivers District openers. The girls, now 2-1, will host Radford while the boys play at Radford in just their second match of the young season.
