Defense Leads to Offense in Annandale's 3-1 win over West Potomac

Annandale spent most of the first half in West Potomac territory Wednesday night, scoring three goals before halftime in its 3-1 field hockey win over the Wolverines.

The teams felt each other out for the first 15 minutes before the Atoms opened up the floodgates. A takeaway deep in West Potomac territory by senior Jennifer Allshouse led to the first goal, as she found a wide-open Alley Adcock for the score. Not four minutes later, Allshouse stole another errant Wolverine pass and put it in the net herself.

"The team played well together. Their timing was spot on," said Annandale Coach Cindy Hook. "They were focused, talking, communicating and backed each other up."

After senior Katie Bermingham beat West Potomac defender Jackie Rhodes five-hole for the team's third goal, the game was essentially out of reach.

"We've come a long way this season. Our practice has paid off," said Captain Annie Rutherford. "We worked hard on specific things and this was an important District win."

The Wolverines shut out the Atoms the rest of the night, and scored late in the second half to spoil the shutout. Even with the dominant win, Rutherford said the team still has facets of its game to improve.

"Work is needed on our side ball cuts and movement off the ball," Rutherford said.

Hook was happy with the way her team talked Tuesday, but wants that in greater abundance.

"Working on better communication and lines of support is key," said Hook. "They need to play in pairs, to have someone behind them if the ball goes through."

The Atoms are 6-5 on the season. They'll play the South County Stallions on Friday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m.