By Price Thomas / Scrimmageplaycva.com contributor
Maggie Tubridy’s star just keeps rising in the Commonwealth District.
On a chilly night at Albemarle High, the sophomore forward netted her 11th goal in 10 games to lead the Patriots to a 1-0 victory over visiting North Stafford.
Tubridy continued her torrid goal scoring pace, striking in the first five minutes of the contest to give the Patriots a lead they never relinquished. Only halfway through the 2011 campaign, Tubridy is carrying a stat line that most goal scorers would be thrilled with come season’s end, but she credits her teammates for her continued success.
“I’m getting a lot of good assists and a lot of it is my teammates. I’m just having fun this year.”
Tubridy’s tally started with playmaker Taylor Hale. The senior was able to break free of the Wolverine defense and get to the end line before crossing the ball to a streaking Tubridy. The sophomore cleverly wriggled free of a North Stafford defender before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
“She is the bread and butter for us right now. She is the leader,” said Albemarle coach Jon Hall.
In the second half, the Patriots were unable to deliver the knockout punch, however the seemingly impenetrable backline of freshman duo Anne Brady and Abby Davison, captain Joy Piirto, Katharine “Waldo” Waldron, and future Marshall University goalkeeper Betsy Haugh, pitched their third shutout in as many games, holding the Wolverines to zero shots on goal in the second half.
“We have an extremely good defense,” said Hall. “It starts with Joy Piirto and our two freshman center backs. You can’t say enough about them.”
Though the Patriots were unable to capitalize on many of their second half opportunities, there was never cause for concern in the Albemarle camp.
“Our defense is really strong,” said Tubridy. “I am never concerned with them at the back.”
Hall remained impressed with the effort of his team.
“Some of it could be tiredness, being our third game of the week,” Hall said. “Overall it’s a tribute to the kids for them to come out and get a win in a hard game versus tough competition.”
Albemarle has built their team philosophy around a motto — over for each other, look after each other, take care of each other, make a little magic — and on Thursday night Maggie Tubridy and her Patriot teammates put the Commonwealth District on notice that they might just be the best act around.
