Charlottesville stops Devilettes

By Shane Mettlen

Published: August 21, 2008

Culpeper County High School knew it would have to rely on defense in Thursday’s season opener against Charlottesville, and the home standing Blue Devilettes kept them in the game deep into the second half.

But in the end the Black Knights offense was too much for the young Culpeper team, which used five varsity players that had never played in a field hockey game before, and Charlottesville won 4-0.

“The first half was incredible,” Culpeper coach Robin Bolt said. “Our defense was really strong and we scrimmaged last week and improvement is like 100 percent from last week. If we can keep making the strides we’re going to do OK.”

The Knights (1-0) put pressure on the CCHS defense from the start, taking six corner shots in the first 20 minutes of the game. But the Devilettes defense kept Charlottesville out of the goal until Kelli Wisbawer scored on a corner with 17:25 remaining in the first period.

Despite getting out shot in the game 29-1 and giving Charlottesville 16 corner attempts, Culpeper (0-1) trailed just 1-0 until the 15:49 mark of the second half when Katie Sontoski scored to make a two-goal lead.

Culpeper goalkeeper Miranda Phipps finished the game with 15 saves, but the Knights would get two more goals from Brooke Milby to pull away, but the CCHS squad was happy with the way it played.

“Like coach said it was a really big improvement,” defender Carley Jones said. “Considering I have never played before and a lot of the girls have never played, we really worked together better. Our offense is also getting the picture that they have to come back and help us out or we won’t be as strong.”

Shane Mettlen can be reached at 825-0771, ext. 127 or