The Pioneers earned their first victory of the season vs Holy Family on Thursday. Both teams were evenly matched as they had previously tied just one week ago. The first ten minutes by the Pioneers was slow. "The team was playing on their heels," Coach Fries commented. But after that time 8th graders, Maddie Lam and Hannah Mortvedt, settled things down for the entire team and started to control the game. "Maddie got a few good shots off in the first half, which really gave the team the confidence it needed to play. We started off a bit timid, and seemed to play very defensive instead of attacking the opponent." Hannah Mortvedt really lifted the team up by scoring her first goal of the season to put FVC up at halftime. The defense played outstanding for most of the game, and goalkeeper Haley Grabich helped them out many times. With some great saves, and communication in the backfield, the Pioneers limited Holy Family to one goal which was off a free kick in the 45th minute. Brooke Worsham, a 5th grader at FVC, is really earning her position as the center defender (sweeper) on this team. " Brooke is one of the smallest girls on the field; but her intensity, speed and skill make up for how much bigger her opponent is," Coach Fries says.  With the scored tied, Maddie Lam, who controlled most of the game in the center-mid position did not want to end this game in another tie. In the 53rd minute, Maddie broke past the midfield with ball and carried it just inside the 18 yard line and fired her 5th shot of the game from this distance. It was past the keeper to put the team up 2-1. "She crushed that ball," Coach Fries remarked, "It was a perfect time for her to score her first of the season." It certainly was as the Pioneers held on to the lead and earn the win with a final score of 2-1.

The Pioneers next game will be played on Monday 3/30, as they travel to Rappahannock County High School, to face the Panthers at 6:00 pm.