All-River Ridge District first team. PHOTO BY JON
FLEMING
The Salem girls never knew what hit them as they lost in the first round of the Region 4D soccer tournament last week. The seventh seeded Spartans dropped an 8-0 decision to second seeded Western Albemarle in Crozet. Salem came into the region tournament with a 10-6-1 overall record and having won eight of their previous 10 games along with two one-goal losses to River Ridge District power Blacksburg.
The Spartans had given up a total of seven goals in those 10 games, but Amherst surpassed that total in just one night. “The game last week was not the way we wanted our season to end,” said Salem coach Kayla Wood. “Western Albemarle is a very disciplined team that pushed high and made it difficult to defend their attack for the full game.”
With the loss Salem ended the season at 10-7-1. Zada Craig, Avery Mangus, Abby Pitts and Allison Kessel were chosen first team All-District and Eliza Fleenor, Reece Mangus, Brooke Bowers and Addy Funk were named to the second team. Madison Ray was Honorable Mention and Wood was named River Ridge District Coach of the Year. “We started the season 0-4 and then fought hard to be ranked second in the district,” said Wood. “Nine players were recognized in the district for first team, second team and honorable mention. This team is very talented and they want to be challenged. They want to grow and continue to get better every practice. I am super thankful I get to be their coach.”