On the Sidelines with Dan Sousa - Falcons Dedicate Emotional Win to Grieving Teammate

Briar Woods senior Kate Fowler and sophomore Macy Jones talk about Tuesday's emotional win over Potomac Falls on the same day that the entire team attended the funeral of teammate Kristina Karagirgis's mother, who passed away from breast cancer.


By Dan Sousa
VivaLoudou.com Editor
(Apr. 7, 2010) - You could say that an emotional Briar Woods High School softball team was wearing their hearts on their sleeves Tuesday but the truth of the matter is that the Falcons, just hours after attending the funeral of a teammate's mother, were wearing their heart on their cheeks and in their hair.

The initials on the faces of the young players, in place of the traditional "eye black", were that of junior teammate Kristina Karagiorgis, and the pink ribbons in their hair were in memory of her mother who passed away from breast cancer during the school break. The team, organized by junior catcher and captain Jillian Olson, sought permission from the school to attend the funeral Tuesday morning to support their teammate and just hours later they took the field at home in their AA Dulles District opener.

"They were a rock this morning for Kristina," said Briar Woods coach Jennifer Traina.

Considering the emotional turmoil of the day, there would be no shame if they fell to a very good Potomac Falls team and junior pitcher Heather Kiefer, who for the first trip through the Falcon order Tuesday did not allow a ball to get past the pitching circle as the BW batters either struck out or grounded back weakly to the pitcher.

The Panthers were up 2-0 after senior catcher Courtney Sunderland drove in two runs in the third inning on a double and appeared headed for the win when the Falcons rallied. After the game the players said it was motivation for Kristina and her family for them to win the game and that fueled a comeback in the sixth inning as Fowler and Kasey Ball drove in Holly Dominguez and Olson to tie the game.

As the game headed into extra innings it appeared that the Panthers would still come away with the win, especially when they loaded the bases in the top of the 8th inning with just one out but BW turned an improbably 4-2-3 double play (second to home to first for those fans not used to scorebook lingo) with Olson making a nifty pivot at the plate and gunning down to first where Jones stretched to complete the rare feat in softball with its shorter basepaths.

It seemed that this was destined to be the Falcons night and that they would win this emotional game. Jones, a ball of energy and hustle, helped manufacture the winning run as she beat out an infield hit, moved to second when Fowler was hit with a pitch and then hustle to third when a pitch to the plate just got away on a bunt attempt. Sunderland's throw down to third skipped away from the bag but not by far ... Jones, however, wasn't looking for any red lights or stop signs as she sprinted home and won the game standing up.

There were smiles and hugs and a few tears. As soon as the Falcons grouped in left field, a cell phone was produced and a call was made to Karagiorgis and she was put on speaker phone as her teammates shared the good news of the victory with her.

For Traina, she was almost left speechless by her team's comeback and ability to weather the emotions of the day and emerge with the win.

"I had nothing to say to them, except that I was super proud of them ... all day long," said Traina.

More of the Fowler and Jones interview

College Corner: More College Choices as Valley's Alex Owens to Play Baseball at D1 Longwood and BR's Martin to Play Soccer at D3 Roanoke

(Apr. 7, 2010) - More Loudoun athletes are making their college choices as Loudoun Valley High School's Alex Owens has decided to play baseball at NCAA Division I Longwood and Broad Run High School's Spencer Martin will play soccer at NCAA Division III Roanoke College.

Both Broad Run and Valley now have 13 athletes each headed to the college ranks. Check out all the details in our exclusive chart:

Track and Field: Heritage Opens Season with Tri-Meet Sweep Over Osbourn, Stonewall Jackson

Photos by Kathleen Finnegan


(Apr. 7, 2010) - The Heritage High School track and field teams opened their season before Spring Break with a AAA Cedar Run District tri-meet sweep over Osbourn Senior and Stonewall Jackson.

Tennis Round-up: Stone Bridge Girls Defeat Fairfax; Potomac Falls Boys Win over Dominion

Girls
Stone Bridge 6, Faifax 3
The Skinny: Stone Bridge girls tennis team captured their first Liberty District win Monday with a 6-3 victory over Fairfax High School. Singles matches won won by: Juniors Coryn Cocozza, Abby Tunney, and Lara Agostoni. Doubles matches were won by: juniors, Kiva Hack and Tunney; Cocozza and sophomore, Ashley Beamish and junior Agostoni and senior Christina Mannino. The Bulldogs are 1-2 in the district. Their next match is away on Wednesday, April 7th vs. Langley at 4 p.m.

Stone Bridge vs. Fairfax April 5,2010
Singles:
StoneBridge Fairfax
1. Kiva Hack v. Jula Decosse 9-10 (5-7)
2. Coryn Cocozza v. Tiffany Lee 10-3
3. Abby Tunney v. Veronica Bustos 10-3
4. Ashley Beamish v. Valerie Budynas 6-10
5. Lara Agostoni v. Jessica Mieks 10-7
6. Christina Mannino v. Miwa Triff 7-10

Doubles:
Stone Bridge Fairfax
1. K.Hack/A.Tunney v. J.Decosse/V. Bustos 9-7
2. C.Cocozza/A.Bemish v. T.Lee/V.Budynas 8-5
3. L.Agostoni/Christina Mannino v. J.Mieks/Brigitte Ha 8-4

Overall
Stone Bridge: 6 Fairfax: 3
Stone Bridge Overall District Record: 1-2

Boys
Potomac Falls 7, Dominion 2
The Skinny: This was a continuation of a match from March 23 and two Titan players were unable to compete on Tuesday

Singles (PF players listed first)
A. Gonder lost to A Chou 2-8
S. Kurra won by default B. Buchner
A. Umana won 8-2 over JR Franks
K. Cunningham won 8-1 over R. Thakral
C. Thomas won by default R. Nour
S. Swaney won 8-5 over G. Kurnos
Doubles
Gonder/Umana lost to Chou/Kurnos 6-8
Kurra/Cunningham won 8-3 over Franks/Thakral
X. Carthan/J.Dwyer won 8-6

Want your team listed? Send us your results!

Girls Soccer Round-up: Briar Woods, Broad Run, Freedom Open with Dulles Victories

Broad Run 5, Dominion 0
The Skinny:
Spartan Scoring
First Half
Ellie Zoepfl 24th minute
Cassie Smith 35th minute
Second Half
Darbie Kelley 52nd minute
Dani Dangermond 58th minute
Brooke Collins 78th minute
Broad Run = 3 Saves, 3 Shutouts, Season 2-0-1

Heritage 5, Millbrook 1
The Skinny: Pride got goals from Lauren McKenzie (2 goals), Chelsea Paskowski, Annie Hartman, and Kristen Eble in the non-district win.

Briar Woods 2, Potomac Falls 1
The Skinny: The Falcons did not report on their win.

Freedom 2, Loudoun County 1
The Skinny: The Eagles did not report on their win.

Loudoun Valley 2, Forest Park 0
The Skinny: The Vikes got goals from Amber Cook and Ashley Manning in the non-district win.

Boys Soccer Round-up: Dulles District Action Starts with Broad Run, County, Potomac Falls Taking Wins

Broad Run 4, Dominion 1
The Skinny:
BR goals
24th minute, Danny Reategui corner kick, Taylor Johnson header, Kevin Reitzel with the finish.
27th minute Danny Reategui earned and converts PK.
33rd minute Spencer Martin assist Brandon Croarkin goal.
71st minute Danny Reategui to David Ellsworth who shoots and Spencer Martin knocks in the goalie deflection.
Dominion goal
39th minute
Dominion player throws ball in, ball bounces over BR keepers head and Sean Skefflington guides ball into back of net.


Heritage 7, Millbrook 1

The Pride score their first goal on Tuesday night! (photo courtesy of Kathleen Finnegan)

The Skinny:
First Heritage Goal, Ryan Finnegan (#18 SR) on throw-in from Eric Dentler (#12 SR)
Millbrook scored next. It would be their only score of the evening.
Second Heritage Goal, Payton Case (#7 SR) assisted by Jake Flanagan (#9 SR)
Third Goal was credited to Eric Dentler (throw-in that resulted in an own goal)
Fourth Goal was a penalty kick by Jonathan Castillo (#11 SR)
Fifth Goal was also netted by Jonathan Castillo, assisted by Jake Flanagan
Sixth Goal assist was a free kick by Jamie Bruchman (#4 SR). Goal credited to Ryan Finnegan.
Seventh Goal, Ruben Torres (#19 SO), assisted by Ryan Finnegan

Potomac Falls 4, Briar Woods 1
The Skinny: Panther senior striker John Thomas continues his flying start with two more goals to give him eight in the first three games of the season. Thomas scored in the 15th and 45th minutes. The second goal breaking a 1-1 tie after the Falcons scored on freshman Nick Der-Hacopian's goal. The score remained 2-1 until the final two minutes of the contest when Isaac Owusu converted a Penalty Kick and then PF scored again in the final seconds with Salar Samimi, a freshman recently brought up from the JV, netting the goal.

Loudoun County 4, Freedom 0
The Skinny: The Raiders did not report on their win.
Park View 2, Liberty 0
The Skinny: The Patriots did not report on their win.

Softball Round-up: Briar Woods, Broad Run, Loudoun County Open District with Wins; Stone Bridge edged by Madison in Extra Innings

Briar Woods 3, Potomac Falls 2 (8)

BW sophomore Macy Jones flies across the plate with the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning Tuesday.

The Skinny: More on this great game in a bit by VivaLoudoun editor Dan Sousa who has a column on this game, but here are the great reports from both teams ... always nice to get two takes on a game, one from each side

From Briar Woods:
Sophomore Macy Jones scored the winning run on a passed ball and subsequent throwing error with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Briar Woods an exciting 3-2 come-from-behind win over Potomac Falls in the Dulles District opener for both teams Tuesday night in Ashburn.

Potomac Falls (4-2, 0-1 Dulles District) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third on a two-out, two-run double by catcher Courtney Sunderland, but the Falcons (3-1, 1-0) rallied to tie the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Senior Holly Dominguez and junior Jillian Olson hit back-to-back singles to start the sixth, and Jones dropped down a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance both runners. Senior Kate Fowler then reached on an infield error that allowed Dominguez to score, and junior Kasey Ball followed with a screaming liner that glanced off the second baseman’s glove and into right field to plate Olson with the tying run.

Fowler hit the Panther leadoff batter in the top of the seventh but used a pair of strikeouts and a groundout to get out of trouble. Potomac Falls threatened again when it loaded the bases with one out in the top of the eighth on an error, a bloop single and a walk. However, Fowler and the Falcon defense came through with a critical second-to-home-to-first double play to end the inning.

Jones then started the game-winning rally in the bottom of the eighth by beating out an infield grounder with one out, and she moved to second when Fowler was hit by a pitch. Jones alertly took off for third on a short passed ball and raced home when the throw to third was off the mark. Fowler earned the complete-game victory, allowing two runs and five hits. She struck out seven and walked two. Heather Kiefer took the tough loss for the Panthers, scattering six hits and striking out 12.

The Falcons return to action Thursday when they visit Loudoun County at 7:30 p.m.

From Potomac Falls:
The Potomac Falls Panthers lost their district opener to Briar Woods 3-2 in 8 innings. The Panthers took the early lead in the third inning when lead-off hitter senior Bonnie Pascal singled to right, and advanced to second when sophomore Lauren Fulcher reached base on an infield error. Both runners scored when senior Courtney Sunderland (2 for 3, 2 RBIs) laced a double to the left field fence. Fulcher also had a single in the sixth inning. Panthers junior pitcher Heather Kiefer held the Falcons scoreless through five innings before the defense let in two runs in the sixth inning eventually sending the game into extra innings before the Falcons scored another unearned run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Kiefer gave up four hits while striking out 12, walking none, and 5 assists.
Potomac Falls (4-2, 0-1)
Bonnie Pascal ss 1-4, run
Lauren Fulcher 3b 1-4, run, 2 reached error
Courtney Sunderland c 2-3, double, 2 RBIs
Paige Waltz cr 0-0
Heather Kiefer p 0-3, walk, fielder's choice
Erin Frasca cr 0-0
Ashley Lamb lf 0-4
Carlyn Hanzel cf 0-2, hit pitch, stolen base
Caitie McClay 2b 0-3
Kayla Guttridge 1b 0-3
Peyton Valentine rf 0-3

Heather Kiefer (L, 3-2) 7.3 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 12 K, 0 BB

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R H E LOB
PF 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 4 6
BW 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 4 2 6

Loudoun County 9, Freedom 2
The Skinny: The LCHS Lady Raiders improved to 3-0 (1-0)district with a 9-2 win over the Freedom Eagles. Allyson Kuhn notched her first career win with a 7 strike out, no walk performance. She worked out of a bases loaded no-out jam in the fifth with out allowing a run.
Erin Ertel had 2 Rbis and scored a run in a 1-4 night. Renay Aubel was 2-3, scored 2 runs and had a stolen base. Kiley Jacobus had another good night at the plate going 2-4, scoring a run and had 2 stolen bases.

Senior Katie Graff contributed with a 1-3 evening 2 runs, 2 stolen bases an Rbi and a stellar catch. Also with a highlight reel catch was Centerfielder Courtni Reitz. Kelly Duerbeck and Katelyn Packard rounded out the Raider offense with Duerbeck going 1-3, driving in a run and scoring one while Packard was 1-2 with a Rbi and a run.

The Raiders next game is at home against the Briar Woods Falcons on Thursday April 8th with a 7:30 start.

Broad Run 15, Dominion 0 (5)
The Skinny: The Spartan opened district play in dominant style on Tuesday. Sophomore Kate Sims registered the win by pitching three perfect innings that included three strikeouts. Senior Anna Blessing pitched the final two innings, striking out five of the seven batters she faced. The Titans’ only base runner came as a result of a bloop single over third base in the fifth inning. BR's offense scattered 18 hits over four innings, with junior Maggie Betz, Blessing, freshman Dani Cook, and junior Jenny Kramer registering three a piece. After scoring one run in the first inning, the scoreboard came alive for Broad Run in the second inning as they scored six runs while bringing 11 batters to the plate. The Spartans added four more runs in both the third and fourth innings. Blessing picked up five RBIs with a triple, a double, and a single on the game, senior Jenn Soroka added two hits and three RBIs, and freshman McKall Miller was a perfect two for two.

Madison 5, Stone Bridge 4 (9)
The Skinny: In a tough battle from start to finish, Madison defeated Stone Bridge in 9 innings. Meg Boyle pitched all 9 innings for Stone Bridge. Niki Prince led Stone Bridge offensively going 3-4 (2 doubles), 1 walk, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored.

Heritage 10, Millbrook 3
The Skinny: The Pride did not report on this victory.

News: 12U Baseliners Travel Softball Team to Hold Car Wash Fundraiser Saturday

WHO: 12U BASELINERS OF STERLING, VA
WHAT: CAR WASH
WHERE: DULLES TOWN CENTER CHICK-FILA NEAR LOWES,
SAMS CLUB AND WALMART
WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 10, 2010 FROM 10A.M. TO ???

WE WILL BE ACCEPTING DONATIONS. THAT CAN EITHER BE
CHECK OR CASH. NO DONATION IS TOO LITTLE OR TOO BIG!
(IF PROVIDING A CHECK PLEASE MAKE IT OUT TO12U BASELINERS.)

Baseball Round-up: Broad Run, County, Potomac Falls Open Dulles District with Wins

Tuesday, April 6
Broad Run 4, Dominion 0
The Skinny: The Spartans improved to 5-0 (1-0 in the Dulles District) on the season with 4-0 win over Dominion High School in Ashburn. Senior Shane Vlasic improved his pitching record to 3-0 on the season with his third complete game win of the year on the mound. Vlasic struck out 8 batters, walked one, and allowed 2 hits on the night. Offensively, freshman designated hitter AJ Powell had 2 doubles and 2 RBI, junior Nick Richardson had two hits, and junior Zach Rawson drove in two runs on the night. The Spartans are back in action in non-conference play against Herndon High School on Wednesday night at Broad Run at 6 pm.

Madison 6, Stone Bridge 3
Potomac Falls 13, Briar Woods 1 (5)
The Skinny: The Panthers opened defense of their Dulles District title with a big win in Ashburn Tuesday with Taylor Jernigan throwing 2-hit ball for four innings and Steven Fisher finishing the 5th inning. After a 2 week layoff due to Spring Break, the Panther bats did not waste any time as they scored 4 runs in the 1st inning. Thomas Rea led off with a triple off the rightfield fence and Ryan Mahoney followed with a double down the leftfield line. Ryan Miller followed with a walk before Sam Bass hit a line drive to right to score Mahoney. Miller then scored on a groundout by Michael Lascomb and Bass scored on a double to righfield by Tyler Caldwell.

The Panthers added 4 more runs in the 2nd inning when Rea led off with his second triple of the night, this one off of the fence in left center. Mahoney followed with an RBI single up the middle. Bass followed with a drive to centerfield that was mishandled allowing Mahoney to score. Lascomb then hit a single up the middle to score Bass and Caldwell followed with his second double to leftfield to score Bass and give Potomac Falls an 8–0 lead.

In the 3rd, Ben Sweger started the inning with an infield single. He was moved to 2nd on Rea’s third hit of the game, a single down 3rd base. Mahoney then hit a fielders choice to score Sweger. After a walk to Miller , Bass followed with a single to right. Mahoney and Miller then scored on a single by Lascomb to give the Panthers an 11–0 lead.

Spotted to an 11 run lead, Jernigan settled into a nice rhythm mixing fastballs and off speed pitches to keep the Falcons off balance. Through 3 innings, he gave up only one hit and had faced 12 batters. The Falcons got to him in the 4th scoring their lone run on a lead-off walk to Logan Harris. He was advanced to second on a single to left by David Phillips and scored on an infield error.

Potomac Falls tacked on 2 more runs in the 5th on an RBI single by Steven Fisher and a wild pitch by Matt Irish. Fisher then came on to pitch the 5th for the Panthers and retired the Falcons to end the game after 5 innings.

The Panthers have a non-District game against Loudoun Valley on Thursday followed by Broad Run on Friday.

Highlights: Thomas Rea (3-3, 2 triples), Ryan Mahoney (2-3, 3 RBI’s), Sam Bass (2-3), Michael Lascomb (2-3, 3 RBI’s), Tyler Caldwell (2-3, 2 RBI’s) and Taylor Jernigan (4 innings, 2 hits, 0 earned runs)

Loudoun County 13, Freedom 4
The Skinny: The Raiders have not reported on this game ...

For the Eagles: Starting pitcher Brad Baker lasted 3.1 innings, surrendering 5 earned runs. Freedom's offense was paced by junior Luke McDonnell who went 2-2 with 2 rbi's and a run scored. Sophomore Joey Plesce also added two hits.

Herndon 10, Park View 0 (6)

Lacrosse Round-up: Dominion Boys Win; Park View Girls Win Another; Langley Sweeps SB

Tues. Apr. 7
Boys Lacrosse
Langley 13, Stone Bridge 11
The Skinny: A year ago the Saxons beat the Bulldogs, 16-1, but on Tuesday SB gave a tough effort and almost knocked off the defending VHSL state champion. For SB:
Dylan Maltz, Fr, Attack - 5g
Derek Maltz, Sr, Attack - 3g
James Wells, Sr, Mid - 1g 2a
Jesse Southward, So, Goalie - 11 saves
J.P. Giroux - 3a
Collin Moran - 1a
Matt Vincent - 1g 0
AJ Arth - 1g

Girls Lacrosse
Langley 9, Stone Bridge 8
The Skinny: Scoring for SB:
Lauren Giusti 1 goal 1 assist
Brittany Worstell 3 goals
Rachael Pascale 1 goal
Kayla Sleece 3 goals
Kelley Galownia 1 assist

Mon. Apr. 6
Boys Lacrosse
Potomac Falls 12, Hayfield 9
The Skinny: VivaLoudoun needs a team contact to send in results after each game.
Freedom at Heritage PPD (moved to 4.23)
Dominion 11, Osbourn Senior 7
The Skinny: The Titans came out strong and never looked back Monday night winning their first game of the season against Osbourn, 11-7, at a steamy Titan Stadium. With the win over Osbourn, the Titans beat a AAA school for the first time in Dominion lacrosse history. Although play was sloppy at times for both teams, the Titans prevailed early on, taking a 5-3 lead at the end of one and led at the half 9-4. The Osbourn defense stiffened in the second half, limiting the Titans to 2 goals, but the Titan defense did the job in the 4th period holding Osbourn scoreless.

Titan Senior Attackman Nick Brendes had a career-best night scoring 3 goals and 3 assists, including an outstanding bull-dog effort down the middle through 3 Eagles, to score the lone 3rd period goal for the Titans. Junior Attackman Kyle Hall scored a hat-trick with 3 goals and fellow Junior Attackman Stephen Tarrant added 2 goals and 2 assists. Defensively for the Titans, Soph Troy Farmer shined with 3 ground balls and two key turnovers, while goalie Andrew Fawkes made several critical 4th period saves to keep the Titans in the lead and came up with 15 saves on the night.

Scoring:
Titans
Kyle Hall: 3 goals
Stephen Tarrant: 2 goals, 2 assists
Sean Cooper: 1 goal
Brett Bushman: 1 goal, 1 assist
Nick Brendes: 3 goals, 3 assists
Nick Krischke: 1 goal

Eagles:
Steven Slayton 3 goals
Tommy Hammerstrom: 1 goal
Josiah Bookwalter: 1 goal
Jake Victor 1 goal
Ben Stodola 1 goal

Garfield 19, Park View 3

Girls Lacrosse
Heritage 16, Freedom 15
The Skinny: Teams should report scores and stats to VivaLoudoun.com
Park View 8, Garfield 7
The Skinny: Earlier this year the Patriots broke a long losing streak and on Monday they won again, this time at home. For PV:
ruth quan 6 goals, 5 gbc
Lindsey Doscotch 1 goal, 2 assists, 7 draw possessions
Amanda Ridings 1 goal, 5 gbc
Loan Nguyen 6 gbc
Carly Deshazo 5gbc
Amanda Brawley 10 saves - 4 GREAT CLEARS!

Loudoun Valley 10, Langley 8
The Skinny: VivaLoudoun needs a Viking parent that can send in scores and highlights after each game.

Softball: Baselines 16U Travel Fastpitch Team Holding Tryouts

(Apr. 7, 2010) - The Baseliners 16U Travel Fastpitch Softball Team is holding tryouts later this month If interested in becoming a player contact Bob Bell at baseliners16Ucoach@verizon.net.

Try-outs:
When: Sunday, April 18th, 2 - 4pm
Where: Sully Elementary (Field 2)
When: Sunday, April 25th, 2 - 4pm
Where: Sully Elementary (Field 2)

Tuesday Night Scores

Dan Sousa was at Briar Woods High School Tuesday night and has the full story on the Falcons emotional come-from-behind, extra-inning softball win over Potomac Falls, 3-2. He will have a photo gallery from that as well as a video interview with BW pitcher Kate Fowler and Falcon 1B Macy Jones, who scored the winning run in the 8th inning. He will also have a photo gallery from PF's 4-1 win over BW in boys soccer as well as highlights from that game and the Panthers 13-1 win over the Falcons in baseball.

It was the first night of full Dulles District action, here are the scores (we are still working on all the lax scores from Monday and a big shout out to Carl Lukat of the Loudoun Times-Mirror with help on some of these Tuesday scores! Thanks Carl!

And check back to VivaLoudoun later today as we put up our first standings of the year for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse (if we can ever get the VivaLoudoun "fox" to end his Spring Break ...)

Tuesday, April 6

Baseball
Broad Run 4, Dominion 0
Madison 6, Stone Bridge 3
Potomac Falls 13, Briar Woods 1 (5)
Loudoun County 13, Freedom 4
Herndon 10, Park View 0 (6)

Softball
Briar Woods 3, Potomac Falls 2 (8)
Loudoun County 9, Freedom 2
Broad Run 15, Dominion 0 (5)
Madison 5, Stone Bridge 4 (9)
Heritage 10, Millbrook 3

Boys Soccer
Broad Run 4, Dominion 1
Heritage 7, Millbrook 1
Potomac Falls 4, Briar Woods 1
Loudoun County 4, Freedom 0
Park View 2, Liberty 0

Girls Soccer
Broad Run 5, Dominion 0
Heritage 5, Millbrook 1
Briar Woods 2, Potomac Falls 1
Freedom 2, Loudoun County 1
Loudoun Valley 2, Forest Park 0

Boys Lacrosse
Langley 13, Stone Bridge 11

Girls Lacrosse
Langley 9, Stone Bridge 8

Youth Sports: Travel Football Team for Loudoun Athletes, Ages 12-14, to Hold Tryouts April 24-25

(Apr. 6, 2010) - An elite travel football team, for youth ages 12 to 14, is forming in Loudoun and will hold tryouts April 24-25 at Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg.

Here is info. from the organizers:

GYFL (Elite Football League)
Why: To bring top elite football players in Loudoun County together to compete against other top elite athletes in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland.
When: League plays games from May 15th through July.
Who: 12-14 yr olds (including rising freshman). Top 33 kids in Loudoun County will play against top elite kids from PG County, (Anne Arundel/ Howard County), DC, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, Baltimore Metro and Southern Maryland.

Tryouts for Loudoun County Athletes:
When: Saturday & Sunday April 24th & 25th (2pm to 7pm)
Where: Loudoun Country Day School’s new campus: 20600 Red Cedar Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176. (Go 2 ½ miles past Heritage High School on Evergreen Mill Rd. School is on the left).

Register online at: www.theGYFL.com
For more Information contact the Head Coach (Rusty Markland) at 703-929-5748 or rmarkland@pestnow.com

News: School Board Chairman Stevens Announces Public Hearings on Reconciliation of Budget

(Apr. 6, 2010) - Loudoun County School Board Budget Reconciliation Public Hearings will be held on Thursday, April 8 and Monday, April 12. Each meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the School Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn.

The Public Hearings will begin with one-on-one public discussions with School Board Members and will be followed by a formal Public Hearing. Reconciliation actions by the School Board are scheduled on the agenda for the Tuesday, April 13 School Board Meeting.

From the school board chair, John Stevens, on his blog: "Public hearings are notoriously frustrating experiences. They go on forever as each person speaks one at a time. Board members sit stone faced, unable to respond. Speakers repeat themselves ad nauseum because they can't know if we "get it." We cannot ask a follow-up question, express support for their point of view, or disabuse them of a poorly informed notion.

So on Thursday April 8th we will try something more interactive. For the first hour of the public hearing, from 6:30-7:30, we will come down from the dais and dialogue with the people who have come to talk us. Each board member can sit in a different corner of the conference room, or in different rooms on the first floor. Board members may sit in pairs but must not sit in groups of three or more.

This is an opportunity to hear from multiple speakers simultaneously, an opportunity for two-way communication, an opportunity for people who aren’t comfortable speaking on microphone to the whole room, an opportunity for questions and answers that public hearings don't typically allow. The public hearing at the podium will follow but I suspect that many people, having already been heard on a more individual level, will pass. I hope that this will lead to a shorter and more productive public hearing."

Why the cuts? We have been presenting views on both sides and even though that the supervisors have voted, here is a look at how four of the supervisors weighed in on the school budget from emails to constituents:

News: School Board Must Cut $25 Million from Budget After 5-4 Vote by Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors finalized the fiscal year 2011 budget for Loudoun County Public Schools April 6, approving a budget of $718.5 million, which is $25 million less than the figure requested by the School Board and $14 million less than the budget for the current fiscal year.

Read the full story in the Loudoun Times-Mirror online!

Baseball: Broad Run, Stone Bridge Players Making Their Marks in College Ranks

(Apr. 6, 2010) - The Broad Run and Stone Bridge high school baseball players are making their marks in the college ranks this season.

Stone Bridge grad Johnny Bladel was recently named the CAA Rookie of the Week after hitting .421 to help James Madison go 4-1.

The Broad Run Spartans baseball program has numerous alumni making their way through the college ranks. Here is a quick update on some of their accomplishments so far this season:

Cole Shain - So / LHP - The College of William and Mary - Shain has a stellar 1.80 ERA for the Tribe this year to go along with his 1-1 record on the season. Shain's win was at The University of North Carolina who was ranked #11 nationally at the time. His lone setback on the season came at UVA (ranked #1 in the nation at the time.)

Conor Mullee - Sr / SS - St. Peter's College (NJ) - Mullee, a four year Varsity starter at SS for St. Peter's, currently leads the team in home runs (5), total bases (44), and walks (13).

John Lynch - Sr/ C - St. Peter's College (NJ) - Lynch, a four year Varsity starter at Catcher for St. Peter's, currently leads the team in doubles (7) and has thrown out 35% of base stealers.

Tommy Meier - So / C - The University of Virginia at Wise - Meier currently leads the team with a .545 batting average while starting behind the plate.

Alex Feemster - Jr / OF -The University of Virginia at Wise - Feemster has seen action in 7 games as an outfielder for UVA-Wise in a reserve role.

Chris Jessop - Fr / SS -Flagler College (FL) - Jessop is batting .250 for Flagler who has defeated several Division II nationally ranked teams this season.

Sean Plouffe - Sr / C - Plouffe is hitting .296 while catching for the Hornets who are currently nationally ranked at the Division III level.

News: APEX Gymnastics Hopes to Raise $10K for Cancer Research in Relay for Life

(Apr. 6, 2010) - For the fourth year in a row, APEX Gymnastics is taking part in Relay for Life to raise funds for cancer research. Last year APEX raised almost $8,000 and the goal this year is to raise $10,000.

APEX co-owner Melanie Cuozzo wrote: "While I realize many of you are far away, cancer is something that affects all of us. At APEX Gymnastics we strive to give back to our community. We strive to teach our athletes that they can make a difference. Fighting cancer is a team effort. The impact we can make together is much greater than what any of us could do alone."

At the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, the APEX team will camp out overnight and take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer.

"By joining or donating to our team, you will be a part of a life-changing event that gives everyone in the community a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much," wrote Cuozzo. "Please make a donation and join our team and help us create a world where cancer can no longer claim another year of anyone’s life."

Go to www.westernloudounrelay.org to join the APEX team!. You can donate a mere $10 to a great cause! You don't have to attend, but APEX will walk for you!

Softball: Broad Run Senior Jenn Soroka to Play at Gettysburg College

(Apr. 3, 2010) - Broad Run High School all-star senior first base Jenn Soroka will play next year at NCAA Division III Gettysburg College.

News: Park View and Broad Run Alumni to Play in Charity Basketball Game

(Apr. 3, 2010) - The Park View High School alumni will be hosting the Broad Run alumni on April 10 at 2 p.m. in a charity basketball game.

The cost to play or be a cheerleader for the game is $25. Admission costs are $5 with all proceeds to benefit a yet to be determined charity.

For more info contact: pvhsfootball@gmail.com. If you are unable to participate or attend but would like to contribute, please visit http://aidnet.webs.com/brpvbenefit.htm to make a donation. For details about the event contact Mike Devaney
(PVHS Class of '80 and brother of BR alumni Arleen and Dara Devaney) at mrdcon@aol.com.

Softball: Leesburg Christian Starts Strong by Focusing on Fundamentals

Fredericksburg (Apr. 2, 2010) – In their second year of fastpitch softball, the Leesburg Christian program is still focusing on the basics of the game but that didn't stop the Lions from sweeping a doubleheader against Fredericksburg Christian to start the season.

In fact, last weeek's DH was the first game ever for several players, but that did not hold them back.

"We really focus on the fundamentals of the game and it gives the girls the confidence they need to step on the field and have fun," stated Lions coach Renee McHale.

The Lions outscored Fredericksburg 3-2 in the first game and 5-1 in the second game.

In the first game, the Lions came from behind twice with runs by Christina Webster, Connie Lambert and Danielle Mees. The Lions pitcher, Claressa Mees, struck out five.

The second game brought two runs by pitcher Mees, while Krystyna Guntle, Macy Mashaw and Christina Webster scored to finish strong with five runs. Mees’ strong pitching struck out eight players for a total of 13 on the afternoon, while catcher Livy Workman showed a strong arm behind the plate. Jessica Stewart had two RBIs while hitting cleanup.

Baseball: Malacane's Two HR's Help Treon Earn First Win as Varsity Coach

(Apr. 1, 2010 - Freedom High School new baseball coach Jason Treon got his first victory in charge of the Eagles program with an 8-6 win over Heritage in this week's Spring Break baseball tournament.

Junior Brad Baker pitcher 6.2 innings to earn the win and freshmen Zack Newell got the final out to earn his first varsity save. The offense was paced by sophomore Matt Malacane who hit a grand slam in the bottom of the fourth to put Freedom ahead 4-0. He also hit a solo shot in the fifth inning to make the score 8-1 Freedom.

Baseball: Park View Splits in Spring Break Tournament

(Apr. 1, 2010) - Park View High School split a pair of games in its Spring Break baseball tournament with a 10-0 win over Wakefield before falling to Millbrook, 6-2.

Millbrook also beat Wakefield, 10-0.

With Loudoun schools unable to play today, Thursday thru Sunday of the break are no play or practice days, there will be some baseball action today with Wakefield and O'Connell playing at 1 p.m. followed by O'Connell and Millbrook at 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: "Let's Play Two" Extra Innings Thrillers for SB as Bulldogs Win Semi's in Nine but Fall in Title Game in 10

(Apr. 1, 2010) - The rain may have played havoc with the schedule but the Stone Bridge High School baseball team got its money worth out of the "Let's Play Two" tournament in Prince William as the Bulldogs won in nine innings in the semifinals, 4-3 over host Osbourn Park, before falling, 8-7, to Woodbridge in a 10-inning thriller in the finals.

A nice recap of the finals by The WashPost's Matt Brooks is in today's paper. (Read the story here! It would take the average person months to find it on the WashPost maze of a prep site!).

Baseball: Broad Run, Loudoun County Win in Wood Bat Tournament Action

(Apr. 1, 2010) - After days of rain and wet fields, Broad Run High School was finally able to host the first round of their 2010 Wood Bat Tournament (sponsored by Cheers/DST) on Wednesday.

In Game 1, the Broad Run Spartans defeated the Dominion Titans by a score of 6-0 improving their record to 4-0 on the season.

Junior Taylor Clarke struck out nine, allowed two hits, and walked one batter in the complete game effort on the mound for the Spartans. With the win he improves his record to 2-0 on the season.

The Cheers/DST players of the game were Taylor Clarke for Broad Run and starting pitcher Dimitri Austin for Dominion High School.

In Game 2, the Loudoun County Raiders defeated the Briar Woods Falcons in 10 innings by a score of 6-4. Loudoun County led the entire game until the final frame when the Falcons scored four runs to force extra innings. The Raiders scored two runs in the 10th to earn the victory.

The Cheers/DST players of the game were Tyler Saleck for Loudoun County and Logan Harris for Briar Woods.

The date and time of round two of the tournament has yet to be determined.

Boys Basketball: VHSCA Picks Panthers Jeff Hawes as D4 Coach of the Year; PF's Mihailovich, BR's McGaughey Both 2nd Team All-State

(Apr. 1, 2010) - No foolin'! Potomac Falls High School head coach Jeff Hawes, who led a Panther team without any senior starts to the first ever boys basketball state title in Loudoun history, has been selected by the Virginia High School Coaches Association as the state's Division 4 Coach of the Year.

Also honored were Panther junior Lukas Mihailovich and Broad Run senior Kevin McGaughey as second team All-State

VHSCA 2010 AA All-State Boys Basketball Selections
First team
Marlon Organ Spotswood D4 POY
Josh Henderson Cave Spring D3 POY
Casey Walker Brunswick
Avery Green Courtland
Christian Pierce Western Albemarle

Second Team
Lukas Mihailovich Potomac Falls
Kevin McGaughey Broad Run
Jake Mankins William Byrd
Steve Allen New Kent
Shawn Minor Powhatan

Jeff Hawes Potomac Falls D4 COY
Billy Hicks Cave Spring D3 COY