Not getting too far ahead of itself and concentrating on the task at hand have been key factors to the success of the South County Secondary School girls’ field hockey team’s success this season.
The Stallions, following a 2-1 Patriot District home win over West Springfield this past Monday night, Aug. 4, held an impressive 8-3 overall record and a 2-1 mark in district play.
“Yes, we are doing well,” said Leah Conte, South County’s head coach. “I attribute the success of our team to the work ethic of my girls and their ability to take one game at a time.”
The Stallions have received solid leadership from seniors Maddy Tettelbach (forward), Erica Binzer (defense) and Patty Rafferty (forward/midfield).
“They have all been significant contributors to our success,” said Conte, of the trio.
South County, currently on a four-game win streak, began the fall season in strong fashion by taking three out of four games at the Westfield High Bulldog Tournament, which was held Aug. 27-28. There, the Stallions won games over Hayfield, 2-0, Washington-Lee, 6-1, and Langley, 1-0, before losing its fourth and final tournament game to the host Westfield team, 3-2.
South County then lost two of its next three games by 2-0 scores - home game defeats at the hands of both Chantilly and Lake Braddock. In between those two contests, South County was victorious in a second meeting against Langley, 2-0, in a road game in Great Falls on Sept. 2.
Since the setback to Lake Braddock on Sept. 13, the Stallions have beaten Oakton, 2-1, McLean, 4-1, Lee, 1-0, and, earlier this week, the Spartans of West Springfield. The wins over Oakton and Lee came on the road.
South County was scheduled to play at W.T. Woodson on Wednesday, Aug. 6 of this week, and then will play another road contest this Friday night, Aug. 8 at 7:30 versus Annandale. Following this week’s action, South County will have three more home games remaining on its schedule before beginning play in the district tournament on Oct. 18.