In a clash of undefeated district champions—Western Albemarle out of the Jefferson and Woodgrove out of the Dulles—Western managed to gut out a 14-11 victory to clinch the Region II championship as well as a home game in the state quarterfinals next weekend.
Woodgrove, a relatively new school, was carved out of some schools with solid lacrosse programs and the Wolverines gave the Warriors all they could handle Saturday in the second half.
Western grabbed a 7-3 lead before the break, overcoming an early eight-meter goal by Woodgrove to reel off four straight scores. Woodgrove struck back after the break though and cut the Western lead to 8-7 with less than 15 minutes left. A weather delay sent both squads to the locker room, and Woodgrove shook off the 90 minute delay faster than Western and took a 9-8 lead, a rare deficit for the Warriors the entire season.
The lead lasted about 25 seconds, with Western scoring and stringing together four goals total to take control over the next four minutes.
Ellen Shaffrey and Jeanette Fellows, as usual, led the way in scoring. Shaffrey posted an eight-goal, one-assist night as she continues an incredible season and paired it with 10 draw controls. Her work on the draw helped give Western a 16-11 advantage in the category. Fellows had a hat trick and an assist.
Peyton Brandt and Anna Liebowitz each had three assists while Mady Baker scored a pair of goals.
Western keeper Christine Fortner finished with nine saves, helping limit a talented Woodgrove offense. Woodgrove’s Ashlyn Dacey did finish with four goals and teammate Ellen Fuller clocked in with three goals of her own.
With the win, Western moves to 17-2 and will host Oakton June 4, with time TBD.
