Cox girls field hockey advances to another VHSL state championship
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (BVM) — Having the Cox High School Falcons in the Virginia High School League Class 5 field hockey state championship game has become nearly synonymous with the season itself. That is no different this year as, despite missing out on a 2020 campaign due to COVID-19, the Falcons were once again able to punch a ticket into the championship game as they seek their third consecutive state title.
The Falcons defeated Deep Run in the state semifinals matchup, shutting out the Wildcats 5-0. With the win, the Falcons are one step closer to extending their state record of 21 field hockey state titles.
It was a great day. ❤️💚💛 🏑 https://t.co/T38cW5coSq
— Frank W Cox Field Hockey (@CoxFieldHockey) April 21, 2021
In the state championship, the Falcons will take on the Stafford Indians following their semifinals 3-2 overtime victory in the semifinals over the Riverside Rams on Tuesday. The Indians will be making their first state championship appearance since 2016 and will be seeking their second title in program history.
They will have to go through a juggernaut to do so however. So far this season, the Falcons have been nearly unstoppable with a 12-0 record and a plethora of talented players including goaltender Abby Spear, a Duke commit, and her sister Megan, a freshman who has delivered clutch goals for the Falcons this year.
In addition to their pure success, the Falcons are also battle tested. In the regional championship game, Cox found itself trailing Gloucester 1-0, one of the few times the team had trailed all year. However, with a couple of goals by junior Zella Bailey and Megan Spear, the team was able to rally to continue its pursuit for the state championship trophy.
The Indians don’t come in unproven either. Although the team hadn’t faced much competition in the regular season, beating its first 12 opponents by a 72-1 margin, it had a battle with Riverside. Stafford found themselves down 2-0 with only 15 minutes left in the game, but were able to somehow force an overtime with two late goals and won the matchup with the overtime dagger by junior Olivia Stocks.
The two will face each other on Saturday with the state title now on the line. Though it may seem like history may repeat itself for the Falcons, the Indians can’t be counted out just yet. Sure, Cox is used to being in this position, but they also have learned that the hardest part about winning a championship is trying to win another oneC.
