Walsingham Academy saw its season come to an end on the road against Highland on Friday afternoon during the first round of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association tournament.
The No. 5 seed in the tournament, Highland managed to hold off Walsingham Academy, the No. 12 seed, by a final score of 1-0.
With the wind whipping in Warrenton, each team played a half of soccer with the wind at their backs and aiding offensive attacks.
Highland had the wind at its back in the first half and was able to capitalize on the advantage midway through the first half as Ryan Edwards sneaked the ball past Walsingham goalkeeper Bryce Behm.
Trailing 1-0 at the half, Walsingham took its turn to play with the wind in the second half of play. The Trojans generated more scoring opportunities with the best coming from Konstantin Ries, who sent a hard shot at the Highland net that was turned away by goalie Sawyer Long with 10 minutes left to play.
Unable to find an equalizing goal, Walsingham’s season came to a close as the final whistle blew. The Trojans finish the season with a record of 9-10-1.
Highland 1, Walsingham 0
Goals: Highland (Ryan Edwards)
HRA Season Ends in Penalty Kicks
Hampton Roads Academy watched a 3-0 halftime advantage disappear in the second half of Friday’s first round game in the VISAA state tournament.
With the score tied at the end of regulation, Covenant School and Hampton Roads Academy went to penalty kicks. Covenant School came out on top in penalty kicks 6-5, ending HRA’s season.
The Navigators came out on fire in the first half, building a 3-0 lead behind goals from Jalen Johnson, Ryan Post and Patrick Phillips.
Covenant School responded in the second half with three goals of its own from Clark Gathright, Noah Hollins and Michael Colberg.
With the loss in penalty kicks, HRA’s season comes to a close. The Navigators finish the season with a 13-5-1 record.
Covenant School 3, Hampton Roads Academy 3 (Covenant wins 6-5 in penalty kicks)
Goals: Covenant School (Clark Gathright, Noah Hollins, Michael Colberg), HRA (Jalen Johnson, Ryan Post, Patrick Phillips)
Assists: HRA (Ryan Post, Sam Wash)
