Christie Baer ponders what might have been after yesterday's loss. The JM goalkeeper was hurt late in the second half and had to leave the game. photos by PETER CIHELKA/THE FREE LANCE-STAR View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

FIELD HOCKEY

High school field hockey

Date published: 11/18/2009

BY JUSTIN RICE

Almost to a girl, James Monroe's field hockey team thought it played better in last night's Group AA/A state final against Tabb, compared to a 2-0 loss earlier this month in the Region I championship.

But the result was the same: disappointment and tears for the Jackets.

James Monroe fell, 5-0, yesterday to the Tigers here at the National Training Center. It's the second straight year Tabb (24-0) has defeated James Monroe in the state championship game.

"Even though it was 5-0, we definitely played them much better," James Monroe coach Jamie Tierney said. "We had much more of an attack this game. We held them a little more. But they just had some possessions and breakaways and really just finished."

Scoring against Tabb has been difficult for every team the Tigers have faced. Tabb outscored its opponents 162-2 this year, setting a state record for all classifications for season scoring margin. And yesterday it was easy to see why.

Whereas in James Monroe's 5-0 win against Western Albemarle Monday, when JM passes found friendly sticks, and the Jackets' defense was able to quickly switch the field back and forth, Tabb allowed no such opportunities.

"It was up and down a lot passing for us," James Monroe senior Libby Brown said. "Those passes weren't connecting like they were in the semifinals."

JM junior Taylor Herold, who scored eight goals in the Jackets' first two state tournament wins, had few opportunities yesterday. James Monroe struggled to penetrate the midfield and get the ball up to Herold.

But the Jackets did out-corner the Tigers, 8-7. None of those, however, were turned into scores.

"We played them better than last time," Herold said. "I think they just wanted it more. They were a really good team. Their passing was on, and they cut to every ball.

"They have such a strong midfield."

Tabb took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half on a penalty stroke by Krista Meyers. JM goalie Christie Baer made a diving stop to her right against Western Albemarle on Monday to turn away a stroke. But last night Meyers went to Baer's left, and gave the Tigers the lead.

GROUP AA/A FINAL JAMES MONROE 0 TABB 5

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Date published: 11/18/2009