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Warriors jump out early to get past Albemarle

The message was clear before the opening draw, be sure to jump out early. And 15 seconds into the game, Western Albemarle’s Jordan Haws helped her team to do just that as she netted the first of her five goals in a 17-8 win over Albemarle.

“The last two games we’ve come out really flat,” said Warriors coach Nancy Haws. “So the goal today was to come out strong. Really, no matter what might happen, we wanted to be strong early and try to pick up some momentum.”

Western scored the game’s first seven goals as Jordan Haws and Abby Wheeler had hot starts as Kellen Haley facilitated the Warriors offense and worked the ball into the hands of her top shooters.

“We do a lot of drills in practice about getting in transition, making crisp passes,” said Haley who had a game high six assists. “And we came out ready to go there and I think that helped us out a lot.”

After spending the majority of the first 15 minutes of the first half in their defensive end, Albemarle’s Candace Carey was able to put her team on the board. The goal would spark a quick 5-1 run for Albemarle as they were able to trim an eight goal lead in half with Carey striking again as well as Katie Williams and Connor Carson.

However, Ellen Shaffrey took over in the last six minutes before halftime, scoring three of her four goals to help push Western back out by seven goals going into the second frame.

With the Warriors dominating the first half scoring opportunities, the second half was much different as the Albemarle midfield was able to create more offensive possessions. After Western assumed a nine point lead three minutes into second, Williams and Carson dug the Patriots to within six, but could get no closer.

“Western’s a strong team this year and we didn’t show up to play for a full fifty minutes,” said Albemarle coach Laurie Pratt. “So that’s just how it goes, but I do think we’ll be a different team when we see them again. We’re seeing a lot of growth from game to game and that’s what you want to see from a young team.”

Haws finished with a game high five goals and also tallied three assists. Shaffrey was close behind with four goals. And both Wheeler and Haley chipped in a pair of goals.

Western goalie Christine Fortner had a quiet first half, but was plenty busy in the second as she picked up the majority of her nine saves. The junior also had a trio of interceptions.

For Albemarle, Katie Williams led the way with four goals. Carson and Carey each scored twice. Patriots netminder Cat Cashwell stopped 10 of the 33 shots she faced.

Albemarle (1-3) will travel to Trinity Episcopal on Monday at 5 p.m.

Western (2-1) will begin Jefferson District play on Saturday on the road against Salem at 11 a.m.

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