DATE: Tuesday, November 25, 1997            TAG: 9711220274
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: ALL TIDEWATER

The All-Tidewater Teams were selected by The Pilot Sports Staff in

consultation with area coaches.

SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   65 lines

FIELD HOCKEY: FROM STUDENT TO COUNSELOR KATIE KUBIC, COX, SR., MIDFIELD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

As a sophomore, nervous and unsure about playing for one of the best high school field hockey programs in the country, Katie Kubic looked to senior Robin Dwyer for leadership and guidance.

Kubic paid rapt attention to the lessons and learned well, because, as a senior herself this season, she became the counselor for younger members of the Cox field hockey team.

Her leadership was an integral part of the Falcons last week gaining back a state title they had held for seven years before losing it to Kempsville in 1996.

``I remember (Dwyer) always playing hard,'' said Kubic, this year's All-Tidewater field hockey team's player of the year. ``She was so helpful to me.

``It feels good to be able to help this group of sophomores and juniors. I guess that's been my biggest success.''

Kubic - one of two repeat first-teamers - finished the season with 16 goals and 15 assists, but it was the last assist of her high school career that she'll remember the most. She fed Taylor Rountree for the winner in the state championship.

Here's a look at the rest of the All-Tidewater first team:

Mason White, Norfolk Academy: A senior forward, she was the TCIS player of the year and the conference tournament MVP. Scored 11 goals and had 10 assists. A League of Independent Schools (state private schools) first-teamer.

Crystal McCully, Lakeland: A second-teamer last year, the senior tied the national record for goals in a single game with 11 and finished with 26 for the year to earn Southeastern District player of the year honors.

Alex Rogers, Norfolk Academy: Also an LIS and TCIS first teamer, the junior forward led the Bulldogs in scoring with 14 goals.

Taylor Rountree, Cox: Senior forward led the Falcons in scoring with 23 goals and eight assists. Her biggest goal was the winner in the state final.

Danielle Callender, Bayside: The senior midfielder was second-team last year and was team leader both defensively and offensively.

Amanda Nichols, Kempsville: The team's other first-team repeater, the senior defender led the Chiefs goal-line defense and gave up a chance to play more offense to do so.

Ashley Alston, Nansemond River: Team was 13-2 when the junior defender played and 0-3 when she didn't. Took all free hits in defensive end and finished with three assists.

Elizabeth Burge, Maury: Eastern District player of the year as a senior defender was a big reason her team once again captured district title.

Jennifer Howard, Kellam: Junior defender moved up constantly and led team in scoring with 16 goals and five assists as the Knights made first trip to the state tournament.

Kiernan Raffo, Cox: Senior keeper had to make more saves than any Cox state titlist keeper before her, making 39 while allowing only seven goals. Recorded 15 shutouts. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]

Katie Kubic...

[Color Photos of First Team]

[Roster of Second Team]

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu