Ireton advances to state semifinals

Bishop Ireton (19-3) easily advanced to the Virginia Independent School State Championship semi finals yesterday with a convincing 21-4 win over previously unbeaten Bishop Sullivan. It was the final appearance at Fannon Field for 11 seniors and they made the most of it finishing the 2009 home schedule a perfect 14-0.

The Cardinals showed little sign of a letdown from a tough 12-11 double overtime loss to Good Counsel Tuesday at the University of Maryland in the WCAC Championship game and came out ready to play against the visiting Crusaders taking an 11-2 lead into halftime. The Cardinal defense held Bishop Sullivan to only 7 shots on goal and once again dominated the midfield and ground balls. Ireton snatched up 20 of 27 draws led by Junior Maddy Connor’s continued dominance in the center circle with 8 draw controls.

Senior Maria Bowman (Villanova) had another stellar game with 4 goals and an assist, Senior defender Heather Olson (St. Joseph’s) had a career high 2 goals while Senior Brittany Barnwell (Queens) added 3 goals and an assist, sophomore Sarah Rupp had a four point performance (2G/2A) and Junior Janet Tela (UConn) had a 7G/1A day. The Ireton defense was also perfect on clearing attempts for the day and had solid play again in goal from Senior Bridget Corridon (Virginia Tech). Senior starters Lauren Gray (Georgetown – 1G/1DC/1GB/2CT), Chesney Hellmuth (Ole Miss – 1G), Ashton Hellmuth (Lehigh – 1G/1CT) and Allie Fife (Mount St. Mary’s – 1A) were all over the Crusaders forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities. All 23 Cardinal roster players saw action on Wednesday.

Ireton will play #3 Potomac School in the Division I semi final Friday at Episcopal at 3:30. #1 t. Stephens will face #4 Collegiate in the other Division I semi final with the winners meeting for the Virginia State Championship at 2:00 Saturday.