When Western Albemarle needs Anna Krueger to shut down an opposing player, Warriors coach Nancy Haws is pretty clear about what she wants.
“We say we don’t want the ball in the girls stick,” Haws said. “And unless the player gets it off the draw, it isn’t in their stick.”
Krueger locked down Broad Run’s leading scorer, senior midfielder Kailey Phillips, taking away a major threat while laying the foundation for a 22-6 victory over the Eagles and a state tournament berth. Krueger regularly shuts down the opposition’s best, and it’s a role she relishes.
“I get excited about it but I just try and keep my head in the game,” Krueger said.
Krueger’s shutdown defense helped Western’s offense build up a big advantage in the first half as they rolled to a 12-2 lead. Ellen Shaffrey set the table the entire first half, dishing out six assists to teammates. Shaffrey has become a versatile threat for the Warriors during the year, expanding her repertoire out from just a scoring threat to a complete player.
“She obviously can shoot and get draw controls,” Haws said. “We talked to her at the last game about amping because of what that does for her whole team—if she can get the ball to her teammates too, she’s invaluable.”
Western’s offense had its usual strong balance Wednesday, with Shaffrey finishing with three goals in addition to her six assists. Abby Wheeler had a hat trick and an assist while Jeanette Fellows poured in five goals and an assist. Jordan Haws had a pair of goals and Kellen Haley and Anna Liebowitz moved the ball well, totaling five assists between them.
“It’s Western Albemarle lacrosse — everybody touches, everybody gets to have some goals,” Shaffrey said. “Other teams don’t even know how to react to it because there are so many options and so many ways we can score.”
Christine Fortner came up with nine saves as the Western defense, including Krueger, played solid around the keeper. Only Broad Run’s Heidi Smith and Taylor Forman really hurt the Warriors, totaling three and two goals respectively.
Western will face a familiar foe in the Region II championship Friday at 6 p.m. in Crozet. The Mustangs beat Brentsville to make the title game. Both teams have already locked up state tourney berths, but it should be an intense match as the local rivals again butt heads.
