The James River girls’ soccer team returned from spring break Monday night and hit the field running. River took a 6-2 win as the Buffaloes of Floyd County traveled to Springwood.
Sophomore striker Morgan Marshall dominated the first half, scoring with a hat trick in the first 20 minutes of play. Marshall scored unassisted six minutes in, following her own shot to finish the resulting loose ball. Near the midpoint of the first half Marshall combined with Megan Hill twice to bring the score to 3-0 at the half.
Freshman forward Amelia Waddell opened the second period scoring for the Knights, assisted by Myla Lester on a strong through ball four minutes into the period. Lydia Bowman answered for the Buffaloes at the midpoint of the half, breaking down the right side unassisted and sending an expert shot past Haley Meadows.
Senior Colleen Peery, the Knights’ starting keeper and 2018 Region Player of the Year, got a rare chance to play in the field. Peery scored her first career high school goal with 11 minutes remaining, firing from range to the far post.
Senior Captain Tessa Jones converted with eight minutes remaining to complete the scoring for the Knights.
Peery made four saves for the Knights in the first half. Meadows made seven in the second period and Luna Demarest made 14 saves for Floyd County.
James River is now 4-2-1 for the season. The girls return to the field Friday, traveling to district rival Radford for a doubleheader with the boys. Floyd does not have a boys’ team this year.
