Two talented girls soccer teams took to the field Wednesday night, when No. 11 Fallston played host to No. 6 South River.
The difference between the teams became more apparent with each minute: The Seahawks simply had more experience.
The visitors got a goal from forward Shelbi Lowe midway through the first half and protected the lead with poise, leaving with a 1-0 win over the Cougars.
South River, which has 10 seniors back from last year's Anne Arundel County championship team, improved to 2-1, while the young Cougars fell to 1-2.
Lowe's goal typified the Seahawks' game plan: Get the ball in deep along the goal line and make things happen. LaRel Rogers did just that, finding room on the right side before sending a ball across to Lowe for the goal from in close.
The Seahawks had a 13-5 advantage in shots but couldn't get anything more past a stubborn Fallston defense, with senior goalie Audrey Baldwin finishing with seven saves.
"We were trying to get more separation, but credit Fallston because they didn't allow that," South River coach John Sis said. "I thought we moved the ball real well until the end a little, but we should. We have 10 seniors on the team, so the leadership is there on the field and on the sidelines."
South River got a strong performance in the middle from senior Spencer Larson, steady pressure up front from Rogers and a collective effort in the back with senior goalie Lyndse Hokanson needing to make only one save.
The Cougars, who lost their entire starting front line and valuable parts of their midfield from last year's Class 3A state runner-up team, got fine performances from forward Amanda Ballard, freshman midfielder Jayme Harmon and central defender McKenzie Hannahs.
Boys soccer
No. 13 Calvert Hall 3, No. 3 Archbishop Curley 0: : Elliott Crompton, Ryan Wulff and Pete Caringi scored as the host Cardinals (1-0) upset the Friars (2-1).
"We controlled the play through the game," Calvert Hall coach Andy Moore said. "We scored two in the second half to put the game away."
Alex Bullington had two assists for Calvert Hall.
No. 12 Loyola 1, No. 8 Gilman 0: : Jamie Dubioski scored from 18 yards on an assist from Elliott Andelman as the host Dons (1-0) upset the Greyhounds (0-1).
Field hockey
No. 1 Garrison Forest 6, St. Paul's 0: : Liza Blue had three goals and an assist, and Martha Plack had three goals to power the host Grizzlies (3-0) past the Gators (0-1).
