It’s a long journey from Albemarle to Atlee High, but with the Conference 16 title hanging in the balance, Albemarle shook off a long car trip and won a 3-2 overtime battle to secure the conference championship.
“This is a great win for the girls and the program,” said Albemarle coach Katie Robinson. “They are finally starting to believe just what they are capable of and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Freshman Anna Murray provided the gamewinner in overtime to push the Patriots to the win and a region tournament home game.
“The team played with a level of heart and intensity throughout the game and into overtime,” Robinson said. “To comeback from a deficit not once but twice speaks volumes to how much these girls want to win.”
The Patriots trailed 1-0 in the first half and then 2-1 during the second half. Sophomore Kat Bianchetto equalized after the first Atlee goal and sophomore Abby Meistrell evened the game the second time with Bianchetto assisting.
Albemarle keeper Logan Wallace-Wood had three saves on the night for the Patriots.
The Patriots now host Stafford Monday at 6 p.m. in the Region 5A North quarterfinals.
“A conference championship generates a great deal of confidence as we head into regional play,” Robinson said.
