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Western strikes early, often in win over Orange

Photo by Keith Gearhart

Traditionally when Orange County and Western Albemarle field hockey clash, it’s a hard fought battle between two proud programs.

 

But Tuesday night in Crozet, Western came out on fire and stunned the Hornets, rolling 8-0 over Orange.

 

“We may have surprised ourselves with how well we came out and passed the ball,” said Western coach Milo Oakland. “We were moving it so well from the start. That’s what I’m most proud about in this one, the goals were a by product of the way we were able to move the ball.”

 

The Warriors poured in two goals in the opening minutes to build a quick lead and by halftime led 6-0. Joie Funk led the attack with a hat trick while Valerie Hajek and Gracie Bynum each notched two goals each. Margaret Trundle rounded out the offensive explosion with a goal of her own.

 

Kira Repich dished out two assists in the win while Hannah Weyher, Ellie Bowen and Hajek also had assists.

 

The Hornets couldn’t recover from the early onslaught as they continue a rebuilding process under new head coach Lauren Seal. Orange has been making some steady improvements and helped their coach whittle down a certain list.

 

“We have so much stuff that we write down that we want to talk to them about,” Seal said. “As the season was going it was getting shorter and shorter because we were making that progress. Still not coming out on the winning end in most of those games but I’m happy with the progress that’s happened.”

 

Western plays another big Jefferson District game Thursday when they host Monticello at 5:30 while Orange will travel to take on Powhatan the same night.

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