Dayspring Christian Academy (DCA) pushed their record to 7-0 (8-2 including tournaments) with a 3-1 victory over Virginia Episcopal School (VES).
The Lions got two goals from midfielder Emma Kennedy and one from wing Ellie Buehrer to get the victory in Blacksburg. Mary Cook scored for the Bishops who fell to 5-2.
The Lions controlled the early going getting multiple shots on goal before Kennedy connected on a shot from distance. Kennedy lofted a shot from well outside the 18, but it was perfectly placed.
VES keeper Carson Shepard was caught just outside the six-yard box and was unable to get a hand on the ball as it found the back of the net.
VES responded strongly, taking over control of the midfield for the next 5 minutes. Cook then found a streaking Katey Thompson getting behind the Lions’ backline. Her shot was wide, but she was fouled inside the penalty area by the recovering outside back giving the Bishops a penalty kick.
Cook beat Lions keeper Emma Cook on the PK, bringing the Bishops even. The remainder of the half saw the action go back and forth, although the Bishops appeared to have rattled the Lions who were having trouble getting the ball out of their end. However, Dayspring held on and went into the half with a 1-1 tie.
The Lions settled down at halftime and came out more composed. They began to take control of the game and Kennedy gave them the lead five minutes into the half.
After winning the ball at midfield, Kennedy moved down the left side of the pitch getting past the Bishops’ left back. Her left-footed shot from just outside the six-yard box was too hard for Shepard to handle and the Lions had a 2-1 lead.
Both sides had opportunities throughout the remainder of the half, but the Lions finally put the game out of reach in the 75th minute. After winning a corner kick, Kennedy sent a ball in front of the goal that Buehrer sent wide but into the path of Kennedy who was breaking towards goal.
Kennedy crossed the ball to midfielder Kylah Mandell who touched it along toward Buehrer who finished with a strong shot to the lower left corner.
The Lions got another strong game from the backline anchored by sweeper Ansley Melton and stopper Cora Stafford. Emma Cook recorded six saves for the Lions while Shepard recorded nine for VES.
— Dayspring Academy
