What Anna Liebowitz sees when she sets up just behind the goal line extended at low attack for Western Albemarle is a luxury.
First Jeannette Fellows cuts through, followed by Ellen Shaffrey, Stewart Summers and Bridget Shaffrey. Few passers have Liebowtiz’s wealth of options—and even fewer can take advantage of those weapons like Liebowitz has.
“They definitely give me good options,” Liebowtiz said. “The most important thing right when you get the ball is to look up and every time I do I have someone to pass it to.”
Thursday night in the Jefferson District tournament final, Liebowitz dished out four assists and had three goals of her own en route to a 16-8 victory over Monticello. Liebowitz orchestrated the offense perfectly along with Peyton Brandt who also stepped in at low attack against the Mustangs because of an injury. Brandt had three assists. The tandem helped Western turn a 10-6 advantage at the break into a runaway midway through the second half.
“(Brandt) has had a great season,” said Western coach Nancy Haws. “She usually comes in as a supporting role but that’s the thing, even our bench, you bring them out and they’re on an equal playing field. We’re very, very fortunate.”
The fact that the Warriors started winning draw control after draw control helped spark that offense too. Western held a 17-9 advantage on the draw for the night, with Ellen Shaffrey’s 11 individual controls doing the bulk of the work.
“When you don’t get those draw controls against a team like this, they’re going to take advantage,” said Monticello coach Karen Hackett. “We steped up on defense but we just didn’t have the ball that much.”
Shaffrey also poured in seven goals and had three assists, continuing the trend of well-timed passing by the Warriors. Jeanette Fellows scored three times and had a pair of assists. Christine Fortner had 10 saves.
Monticello got a hat trick out of Brittany Haun while Ari Slate and Jessie Valentic notched two goals each. Keeper Taylor Paige gave Monticello a fighting chance with 10 solid saves, keeping Western within striking distance. The Mustangs made several particularly strong offensive runs during the closing minutes that led to the two lone second half goals.
Both squads advance to the Region II playoffs with Monday matchups looming. The Mustangs take Woodgrove on the road while Western’s girls host Loudoun County in the quarterfinals Monday at 6 p.m.
