THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 20, 1995 TAG: 9504200624
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
In a 15-0 victory over Ocean Lakes Tuesday, the Cox girls soccer team didn't get much of a challenge.
In fact, the game was little more than a good opportunity to work on extra passing and better looks for open players.
Wednesday against St. Rose Catholic of New Jersey, things were different.
In its second game in less than 24 hours, the Falcons - tied with Norfolk Academy as the area's top-ranked team - had more of a challenge.
The Purple Roses have won 57 consecutive divisional games and have won their conference title four years in a row. In the last four years, St. Rose had lost only seven games.
The Falcons provided an eighth with a convincing 2-0 decision.
``We didn't want to humiliate Ocean Lakes last night and and we were working on lots of passes and looking for other people,'' Falcons coach Terri Sawyer said. ``This was much different.''
Against St. Rose, Cox (6-1-1) got to see what it's like to go up an extremely physical team.
``Were they physical? You could say that,'' Joanna Hale said with a smile. ``Games like this should help us in area competition.''
``It will also help us with our conditioning,'' said Hale, who scored the game's first goal when she controlled Erin Swaider's corner kick with 25:13 left in the first half. ``It was hot out here today after being cooler last night.''
Kirsty Hale provided the insurance a little late, scoring on a loose ball with 3:38 left in the game - turning and firing a point-blank rocket at St. Rose keeper Rachel Guarino.
The Falcons could have scored two or three more times, but gale-force winds sent astray many shots by both teams.
The Purple Roses (6-2) started the game on fire, taking two close shots within the first three minutes. But the first hit the crossbar and the second was just high.
``We had our chances and so did (Cox),'' St. Rose coach Michael Sanderson said. ``The difference was that we didn't finish and they did.''
Actually, Cox dominated the offensive side of the game after its first score, finishing with a 17-11 shot advantage.
``This game was very much a challenge for us and that's good,'' Sawyer said. ``Very physical, probably the most aggressive team we've seen. Much like Woodson.
``Cox is as good as any team we've faced. It's the kind of game that will definitely help us down the road.''
Cox faces Green Run on Friday and then Mamaroneck (N.Y.) Saturday. Mamaroneck handed the Purple Roses their first loss of the season Tuesday.
LEE TOLLIVER by CNB