THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609130259
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 27 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: BEACH FIELD HOCKEY
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: 209 lines
LET'S LAY ALL the cards on the table.
Since 1988, Cox has produced the top high school field hockey program in the country. In the past two years, the Falcons enjoyed the talents of one of the nation's leading scorers and have one of the top leaders in assists. The keeper was among the leaders in shutouts.
During that time, Cox was running up seven straight state titles, a national record, and a record-tying 10 overall.
Now, just days before the start of district play in the Beach, all three are gone, having graduated to the collegiate ranks, where they will undoubtedly continue to make names for themselves.
But their departures, along with those of several other Cox teammates, bring some interesting possibilities.
Could this be the year someone finally ends the Falcons' streak and takes over as the representative of the state's most powerful district?
Well, we've heard that one before and look what happened.
Twice during Cox's run of state titles, it appeared that the talent and number of graduates had hurt the team's chances to repeat. And both times the Falcons kicked the rebuilding idea to the curb and simply reloaded.
Who's to say that won't be the case again this season?
A big reason for the Falcons' success is tradition, an element that is probably good for at least one goal a game.
``The girls want to win for (coach Nancy Fowlkes) and for the program,'' one coach said at the pre-season jamboree at Princess Anne park.
Indeed, over the past several years, many players have talked about how they didn't want to be the team that lost the state title.
When players arrive at Cox, they get to practice every day against the best team in the state. When they get their chance to start, they have more experience than anybody playing against the best.
And when they get the chance to move into that role, like many on the Cox team have this year, they are ready to carry on the tradition as some of the best high school players in the state.
So to predict that this is the year Cox doesn't advance would be foolish. Instead, call Cox the favorite until somebody does kick the queens off the hill.
At the same time, don't be surprised when it happens.
According to Fowlkes, one of the important elements in her teams' successes has been the competition they get from Beach teams during the regular season.
From top to bottom, the Beach District is the best Group AAA field hockey district in the state. For nonbelievers, the fact that four out of the last six state title games have featured Cox against another Beach school should be convincing enough.
The Beach has won 13 of the 19 state titles since the tournament started in 1977. The Beach has six runner-up finishes.
Whether Cox is the actual best team in the district this year is yet to be seen. Naturally, the Falcons are the favorite. And no matter who wins, the chances of another state title are pretty good.
In other districts, Nansemond River and Lakeland are the favorites in the new Southeastern District program. Both are traditional Group AA powers joining a host of first-year programs. Maury, which leads the state in consecutive district titles won, is the favorite in the Eastern. And state League of Independent Schools runner-up Norfolk Academy should again take the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools.
Following is a look at the Beach District, with predicted order of finish:
COX
Coach: Nancy Fowlkes.
Last year's record: 21-0 (Group AAA state champs for seventh-straight year).
Key performers: Brianne Baylor, senior forward; Ashley Hel, senior halfback; Karen Lamoureux, senior halfback; Katie McDonald, senior forward; Katie Kubic, junior midfield; Britt Moore, senior midfield; Kiernan Raffo, junior keeper; Taylor Rountree, junior defender; Ashley Sperry, senior forward; Erika Temple, senior sweeper.
Overview: McDonald played on the wing last year and came on strong during the playoffs to finish with 24 goals and 17 assists. She will move into the big scorer's role as center forward. McDonald is a member of the National U-19 team and will provide excellent leadership. Baylor begins her third year on the varsity and will be largely responsible for getting the ball inside the circle. Raffo has big shoes to fill at keeper, but enjoyed a good summer camp at ODU. As with most Cox teams, the team and individuals went to a multitude of summer camps and played in the summer league. Top that talent pool with a coach who has the most wins and second-highest winning percentage of any in the state and you've got the makings of another good year.
KEMPSVILLE
Coach: Sarah Taylor.
Last year's record: 10-2.
Key performers: Laura Steadman, senior forward; Katie Sullivan, senior midfielder; Monica Frey, senior link; Lauren Rafal, senior keeper; Jessica Foley, senior link; Debbie Kung, senior forward; Sarah Willis, senior defender.
Overview: The Chiefs return eight starters and are considered by many to be the team with the best chance to step into the top spot. There also is considerable tradition in Kempsville's program, having won three state titles with two runner-up finishes. Steadman is the main scorer playing in the center, and Sullivan's position of center midfield is considered the ``quarterback'' spot. Rafal is a striker in soccer, so she understands how offenses think. And the Chiefs think they can win it, so confidence is high.
BAYSIDE
Coach: Kathy Mustain.
Last year's record: 16-4 (state tournament last two years).
Key performers: Kay Anderson, senior forward; Kristin Stubbe, senior midfielder; Danielle Callender, junior midfielder; Sasha Cochran, junior defender; Robbie Bullock, junior defender; Lorie Gates, junior midfielder; Stephanie Moricle, junior midfielder.
Overview: The Marlins return only four starters, but don't let that fool you. Mustain is a former Cox and ODU keeper and knows the game. In the past two years, she has displayed a talent for instilling that knowledge in her players, as Bayside has finished second in the state and advanced the other year. Anderson scored 10 goals last year, and Callender chipped in eight. They'll need to increase those numbers this season.
KELLAM
Coach: Holly Richbourg.
Last year's record: 11-6.
Key performers: Kelly Anderson, senior forward; Mandy Arnett, senior forward; Courtney Bailey, senior forward; Wendy Garrett, junior forward; Elizabeth Howard, senior forward; Raye Jean McMichael, senior midfielder; Amanda Snow, junior midfielder/forward; Meghan Buthrie, senior keeper; Amanada Keith, senior keeper; Jennifer Howard, sophomore back.
Overview: The Knights have been knocking at the door for the past several years and, although they return only four starters, are expected to make a name for themselves this fall. The entire forward line is back and Kellam might go on the offensive with more goals. Defense is the element that could hold the Knights back.
FIRST COLONIAL
Coach: Susan Callahan, first year.
Last year's record: 5-5 in league.
Key performers: Hope Breckenridge, senior defender; Lisa Bigliotti, junior midfielder; Helena Machay, senior forward.
Overview: A former Princess Anne Beach athlete of the year and standout for ODU, Callahan is like Mustain in that she knows the game. Her first year will test her coaching ability. Chances are, her troops will gain good knowledge of the game. The Patriots also have some tradition, finishing second in the state in 1992.
TALLWOOD
Coach: Jaudon Felch.
Last year's record: 9-5.
Key performers: Claire Reyes, senior halfback; Heather Kinstler, senior halfback/forward; Jenny Cope, senior halfback/forward; Joyce Raylon, senior halfback/forward; Stephanie Kinstler, junior defender.
Overview: The Lions sent nine players to the National Field Hockey Festival. And the local team took the bronze in the Virginia State Games. After two years, the Lions finally made it to the district tournament and are confident of a repeat. The team attended several summer camps to help with the effort.
SALEM
Coach: Sally Scarborough.
Last year's record: 4-12.
Key performers: Angela Angeles, senior midfielder; Lauren Sparrow, junior midfielder; Page McGranahan, senior forward; Jenny Peters, senior forward; Katie Moyer, junior defender; Riz Asperin, senior forward; Catie Peters, senior defender.
Overview: Several players competed on the silver medal team in the state games and the forward line should be stronger. The Sun Devils lost 10 games by a goal. Angeles was an All-Beach second-team member, and Asperin was honorable mention. Moyer was the JV team's MVP.
OCEAN LAKES
Coach: Yogi Boothe.
Last year's record: 4-11-1.
Key performers: Alison Kinsler, junior sweeper; Serena Romero, senior midfielder/forward; Alyssa Schrop, senior keeper; Tracey Moody, sophomore forward; Stephanie Baird, sophomore forward; Christina Worrell, sophomore back.
Overview: Boothe has the kind of team that could surprise a few people, although no outcomes at the Beach are a real surprise. The Dolphins have the skills to score, as evident in a 21-0 victory over first-year team Deep Creek. While the Hornets have never played field hockey before, 21 goals against any team is quite a feat. While the offense showed its stuff in that contest, the defense is probably the stronger unit.
PRINCESS ANNE
Coach: Denise O'Connell.
Last year's record: 5-9.
Key performers: Jamie Durbin, senior halfback; Brittney Ewers, senior keeper; Michelle Ferrigno, senior forward; Krista Elmore, junior forward; Dana Weaver, sophomore forward.
Overview: The Cavaliers have more speed than last year and are hoping that translates into more goals. A pair of key players suffered pre-season injuries and their status is iffy. Princess Anne has only four returning starters and the newcomers to the lineup are young.
GREEN RUN
Coach: Bonnie Courtney.
Last year's record: 1-9.
Key performers: Shaldandala Davis, senior forward; Tiffany Bledsoe, senior midfielder; Stephanie Stamper; senior forward; Veronica Gonzalez, senior keeper; Maria Cocatian, senior forward; Cristal Peters, senior defender; Danielle Yutsy, senior forward.
Overview: Seven returning starters could start a return to the glory days at Green Run, when the Stallions finished second in the state in 1993. But in a district as strong as the Beach, it will take a few more years of rebuilding to climb back up. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Brianne Baylor, a senior forward for Cox, begins her third year on
the varsity and will be instrumental in getting the ball inside the
circle.
Cox's Katie McDonald, a senior forward, played on the wing last year
and was strong in the playoffs, finishing with 24 goals and 17
assists. by CNB