Marlena Flynn knew Western Albemarle needed another goal to put away Orange County.
“I think we did (need that one),” Flynn said. “As a team this season we’ve been progressing and trying to push.”
Flynn provided the lead-extending tally with just under 16 minutes to play, putting the game mostly out of reach for the Hornets as Western won 3-1. The victory gave Western its second win of the week after they knocked off Monticello Tuesday.
Orange simply refused to go quietly against the Warriors creating an array of chances.
“Orange always comes out with a little bit of feisty but I think we handled it well,” Flynn said. “We were really pushing it down the field.”
After Kira Repich notched Western’s first goal with 12:23 to play in the first half, Orange responded with Faith Morris equalizing less than three minutes later.
“That’s happened to us before and sometimes it doesn’t go in our favor if we go down early,” said Orange coach Lauren Seal. “This year, with the squad that we have, they’re eager to fight back, they’re not down in the dumps. I was proud of them in that aspect.”
Western answered Morris’ goal with Erica Repich scoring late in the half for what became the game-winner. Repich’s efforts on the wing and in transition have become a major catalyst for Western’s offensive effort of late. She makes these long, substantial runs near the sideline, outpacing most defenders with a blend of speed and deftness with the stick.
“I think getting her the ball and getting her speed down the field is pushing us to get those fast, quick goals that we need to win,” Flynn said.
For Orange, Riley Clatterbuck had eight saves at goalie.
Western Albemarle travels Tuesday to take on Charlottesville High. Orange will look to bounce back at home against Louisa County.
