THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 18, 1995 TAG: 9510170091
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
FOR KATHY MUSTAIN, Thursday's Cox/Bayside field hockey matchup goes far beyond the obvious elements that make the game a big deal.
Sure, both teams are unbeaten (heading into Tuesday's games) and the game is a rematch of five Cox victories last year that culminated in the Group AAA championship game.
With the game being the next-to-last of the season, a Cox victory would secure at least a tie for the district title.
And, yes, Cox is climbing its way into several national records, while increasing others.
But for Mustain, formerly Fosina, the match will be something very special - the kind of emotional outing few coaches ever get the opportunity to experience.
For her, it will be a long-awaited return to her roots.
When the Bayside Marlins get off the bus at Cox, Mustain will become the first former Cox Falcon to go against her old coach as a new Marlin.
Mustain took over the Bayside squad this year after serving as the Salem junior varsity coach for three seasons.
``Yes, this is going to be very emotional from my standpoint,'' Mustain said. ``I've always considered Ms. (Nancy) Fowlkes one of the greatest coaches. She's a great person and a great friend, too.''
Mustain played for Fowlkes in the mid-1980s. After a shaky freshman start as a field player, she took over the keeper position. Her junior season in 1986, the Falcons won a state championship. Mustain went on to play for Old Dominion University, setting NCAA records for shutouts in a season and career shutouts, while earning national titles in 1988, '90 and '91.
``She played in the field as a freshman and she had only played a little field hockey in P.E.,'' Fowlkes said. ``But she was an all-district softball catcher and I said, `Hey, I can convert this girl.'
``I'm proud of her every day, and I don't think this is a one-time chance here. I'm looking forward to it because she and her team will go 100 percent for 60 minutes.''
But facing Cox will not be an envious task.
Heading into Tuesday, Cox was riding a 38-game winning streak - 96-1 over the past five years. And while Bayside has been dominating so far this season, in field hockey terms, by outscoring opponents 49-4, this Cox team is undoubtedly the most dominating in state history - outscoring opponents 94-0 in only 11 games. Last year's team set records with its 107-3 advantage. And Cox could still play as many as 11 more games this season.
``Personnel-wise, this is the best team I've ever had,'' Fowlkes said. ``I've got seven seniors that are Division I quality and a couple juniors who could probably go right into college and play. This team's competitive spirit is just phenomenal. They compete against the clock, me, each other. Other teams don't stand a chance against a bunch like that.
``Yes, we're that good. But Bayside isn't going to be afraid of that. They played us five times last year and gave us a 1-0 game. They have most of that team back. They have that killer instinct. I think that's why the team and myself are so excited about this game. While every Beach team gives us enough competition to be tournament ready. Kathy's team will come out and go head-to-head with us.''
If any team has the opportunity to do so against Cox, it is Bayside.
``They haven't had anybody really come after them like we can,'' Mustain said. ``But we have to be focused on doing what we do because if we don't, we'll be in trouble. We have competitors like (Cox) does and that's why we'll be able to challenge them.''
Both teams have balanced attacks led by a superior player. Midfielder Dawn Bell is leading the Marlins and she can be expected to be all over the field Thursday.
Cox is led by the most prolific scorer in state history - Kim Miller. Miller set a state record of 50 goals in a season last year and already has an unbelievable 48 after 11 games. She is the leading career scorer in state history with 145 - tied for third in national high school history and well on track to break the record of 174. ILLUSTRATION: HIGH SCHOOL FIELD HOCKEY
After winning a state title at Cox in 1986, Kathy Mustain went on to
play keeper for Old Dominion University, where she set NCAA records
for shutouts in a season and career shutouts, while earning national
titles in 1988, '90 and '91.
Staff file photo, left, by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
by CNB