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Plenty of pride in these Cougars Group AA girl soccer final: Courtland knows brighter days are ahead Date published: 6/10/2007
BY TAFT COGHILL JR.
MORE PHOTOS:View bonus images from the game.
RADFORD--Dennis Berry will remember something particular about each of his three senior captains. The Courtland High School girls soccer head coach said defender Stacy Fletcher was a "phenomenally skilled" player who always ran nonstop. Fellow defender Kayla Patterson was the "inspirational" leader of the team and midfielder Wanda Noblin was a "smooth and effortless" player who was a joy to watch. Berry's admiration didn't waver after the Cougars' 2-0 loss to Spotsylvania County and Battlefield District rival Riverbend in yesterday's Group AA state championship game at Radford University. "They've just been fantastic," he said of all seven of his seniors. "They've made this program what it is." Courtland's group of seniors also includes goalkeeper Krystal Garrison, midfielder Brianna Stout, forward Ana Hernandez and defender Jennifer Hudson, who scored the game-winning penalty kick in the Cougars' 2005 state quarterfinal-game victory over Potomac Falls. Most of the group have played more than 90 games in their careers at Courtland, including two state title game appearances. "We've been here twice and we loss both times," Noblin said. "But it's still been the best experience of my life." The Cougars (19-5-1) were visibly dejected after their fifth setback to the Bears this season, but could still positively reflect on their three-year run of excellence. Berry said this year's march was just as much fun as the one in 2005 that ended with a loss to Stone Bridge. But it was also mentally draining. The Cougars were involved in three penalty-kick shootouts that could have ended their season. They pulled through each time, including a 5-4 (4-1 in penalty kicks) victory over Hidden Valley in the state semifinals on Friday in Radford. "It's fun, but it's also emotionally taxing," Berry said. "The kids were always on the edge of their seat." After yesterday's loss, Cougars freshman Tempestt Roper tried to lift the spirits of her senior teammates. Roper hugged Fletcher shortly before the co-captain went to accept the tournament's runners-up trophy. Roper said the seniors have been positive role models who helped increase her level of play during the drive to the championship game.
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