Lafayette girls high school soccer team has had many challenges throughout their years but have always come out with the win. Two years ago, the girls’ soccer team had an amazing season with their overall being 18 wins, 0 ties, and 2 losses.
The girls had the spotlight on them the entire season of 2022. They were ranked highly by others in Wjcc areas and had many cheering for them in the bleachers. The girls put their hard work in after school every day and were coached by their head coach Kellie Ernst, along with their assistant coach Ryan troy.
Lady rams were off the charts with scoring so many goals and having many shut outs with the help of their top players Brooke potter, Emma Moyer, Reagan hunt, Taylor Walker, Kira Moore, Sam Lynch, and Lexi king. They had won regionals playing against their top rivals York high school. They were now eligible to now play in states with three rounds from the top high school teams throughout Virginia. The girls hopped on a bus and traveled to Spotsylvania where they won their first two rounds playing against Meridian high school with a score or 2-1, then playing Lord Botetourt and winning their second round with a score of 4-1 which sent them up to play in the state finals against hidden valley. The team came out with the win in the end, scoring 5 goals during the duration of the game and not having one goal scored on them in the hard fought 90 minutes.
The Lafayette girls celebrated their final win with their seniors of 2022 one last time,
with a dance they did before every game, calling it their good luck charm, the Cotten- eyed joe. The girls were presented with customized rings at the end of the year that symbolized their hard work and love that went into the team of 2022. With a lot riding on the upcoming season, the Lafayette girls had a lot of attention after their state title in 2022. Lots of pressure was on the team as other teams looked to defeat the reigning state champions and take the state title for the 3A district. The team was determined to make another run towards states as they started off the season strong in their first couple of games. The first 3 games were against Warhill, Grafton, and Tabb. Coming out as two wins and a tie. With many tough games Lafayette had a lot to prove against a couple hard teams. Facing a few hardships along the way, the girls had a tough loss against Smithfield. Not long after, they lost in penalty kicks against Jamestown on their senior night. But the girls went into regionals with lots of motivation and a title to hold.
Winning their third regional title in three years made it so they were on their way to states with a home game to kick it off. Facing Meridian in the first round was going to be a tough game but they came out with the win. Next up was Wilson Memorial High School. The girls came out with a 2-0-win heading to their second state final game with a title to hold. With lots of excitement but nerves to hold the state title, they took on Brentsville in the tough finals game and unfortunately fell 1-0. The girls are very excited for this year’s season and what it can bring. They have a state title they must win back in 2024!
