More News

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase girls soccer team is as prepared as it has ever been for the Class 3A West Region tournament. But it's not for the obvious reason, being that the Barons are 10-0 and, as of the end of the weekend, on their way to a second-consecutive undefeated regular season.

The No. 1 seed in the 2007 draw, B-CC suffered a heart-wrenching 5-4 penalty-kick loss to eventual state champion Urbana in the regional final. It was the team's second regional final loss to the Hawks in five years.

If they're going to get back to the state semifinals, the '01 and '04 state champs will have to weather a strong field of contenders, including county foes Damascus (7-3-0), Paint Branch (5-5-1), Seneca Valley (5-5-0) and Watkins Mill (4-7-0) and Frederick County nemeses Tuscarora (3-6-1) and Urbana (4-4-1).

The Montgomery 3A/2A/1A East Division champion Barons have dominated, outscoring their opponents 60-4. They've tallied seven straight shutouts and haven't allowed a goal since their 5-2 win over 3A/2A/1A West champion Poolesville, Sept. 19.

The Barons are led up top by a scoring machine, senior Hannah Cooper (20 goals, 8 assists), U-15 U.S. National Team midfielder Alex Doll (8, 13), and four-year varsity players Zita DePetris and Hillary Goldman.

Their versatility signifies the Barons' uniquely dangerous trait; anyone on the field can push forward and create offensively. They've relied heavily on Cooper and Doll, but six other players have at least two goals apiece, including Victoria Gersh, who has contributed six with nine assists.

Damascus is enjoying its best season in four years. Feisty and physical, it's led up top by Tina Ramirez de Arellano (6 goals, 6 assists) and Mary Hunkeler (1, 6). Lindsey Derby and Heidi Alfaro, who have three goals apiece, have also been effective in the final third of the field.

Powered by their team speed, the Hornets have pulled out several close victories, including a double-overtime win over Clarksburg and an overtime ouster of Rockville.

Paint Branch is another formidable contender, speedy and capable of running on anyone. For proof, look at the 20 shots on goal it averages per game.

The Panthers are led by speedy sophomore Anna Madden, who has scored seven of her team's goals. She's supported by Maya Bouvier-Lyons (3 goals) up top and four-year starting goalkeeper Louise Marchica (0.68 goals-against average).

Seneca Valley is young, but can't be counted out, either. Sophomore Jasmine Sampson and freshman Denise Gapcham lead the Screaming Eagles' offensive attack, while sophomore goalie Tiffany Wilson helms the back line.

Watkins Mill has recovered from its 0-5 start to go 4-2 in October. The Wolverines, one of the more defensive teams in the region, do feature offensive threats in Caroline Graves and Dyanna Cuevas (6 and 4 goals, respectively).

Outside the county, Urbana is led by players such as Tori Eskay, Amie Ruhe (team-leading 4 goals) and Rachel Scott. Meanwhile, Tuscarora is anchored by senior Danielle Roos and junior Michelle Rock.

Check www.gazette.net/montsports for exact dates and times

First round (Oct. 23-24)

No. 11 Urbana at No. 8 Wheaton

No. 10 Watkins Mill at No. 7 Frederick

No. 9 Kennedy at No. 8 Tuscarora

Quarterfinals (Oct. 28)

Kennedy or Tuscarora at No. 1 Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Watkins Mill or Frederick at No. 2 Damascus

Urbana or Wheaton at No. 3 Paint Branch

No. 5 Einstein at No. 4 Seneca Valley

Semifinals

Friday, Oct. 31, matchups TBD

Final

Tuesday, Nov. 4