Cox girls prevail in four OTs, earn first state bid since 2018
First Colonial blanks PA, reaches region final
VIRGINIA BEACH — Restoring tradition took four years and four overtimes, but the Cox girls soccer team accomplished a milestone goal.
Niamh McLeod scored in the fourth overtime, her second goal of the game, to lift the Falcons (14-3-1) past Hickory 2-1 in the Class 5 Region A semifinals Wednesday at Bayside High.
The win advances Cox to a region final against First Colonial and clinches a berth in the state tournament for the first time since 2018.
“We talk about [the program’s legacy] every day,” senior Ema
Christian said, “especially with Alex [Davidson] as our new assistant coach because they were in the state finals [in 2015 and 2016] and they lost and she just wants us back there again.”
The return took an intense rally that featured suffocating pressure, numerous scoring chances and jaw-dropping saves.
Molly Westerman put Hickory on the board in the 12th minute, firing a near-post free kick into the net that caught the defense flat-footed.
While the Hawks continued to get decent scoring chances, Cox increased its pressure and, at times, set up a blockade in Hickory’s half.
The Falcons finally solved a formidable Hickory defense in the 56th minute, thanks to a scramble in front of the net that McLeod poked in.
“Both [goals] were off hustle plays,” McLeod said, “and I just chipped it in both times with the help of my teammates.”
Hickory’s Jess Michalski found herself on a breakaway in the final 10 minutes of regulation, but Cox goalkeeper Kate Hobbs reflexively kicked the ball wide.
“I just kind of have to stay concentrated and think about what I’m doing and not overthink at the same time,” Hobbs said. “It’s a lot, but it’s fun. That’s why I do it.”
Matching that, Hickory defender Jenna Brinkley headed away off the goal line a sure goal in the second overtime.
However, Cox’s relentlessness paid off with McLeod’s second goal just as penalty kicks seemed inevitable.
“Even making it this far, I think it’s all about the team,” senior Sara Twisdale said. “I don’t think we could’ve done it with anybody else.”
Cox’s region final opponent, First Colonial, had little trouble in a 5-0 win over Princess Anne.
The defending state champions received goals from Skylar Miller (two), Sydney Miller, Maddie Kainer and Karleigh Minson.
Kainer’s goal, a half-volley destined for the far post, was her first of the season.
“I was really surprised because I’m a lefty and I hit it with my right foot,” said Kainer, a sophomore left back. “I haven’t scored yet this season, so that was a pretty good memory.”
Another zero in the opponent’s column meant a ninth shutout this season.
“I think we’re really organized defensively,” sophomore defensive midfielder Keaveny Dull said. “We’re always talking. And Charlotte [Burge] is an amazing keeper. She keeps us organized and we always know when to step.”