Thursday, April 29, 2010
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
KAYLEIGH REED
The Dolphins golf team has been dominant in 2010. After a convincing 2009 season that saw Cape Henry earn a TCIS title and a 6th place finish in the state, the Dolphins are a leader in the chase for a second consecutive crown, and the play of this week’s Athlete of the Week, Kayleigh Reed, is a major reason for that success.
The success Kayleigh has had in 2010 is due to the work she has put in to improve her game. Last year Kayleigh shot consistently in the low 80's, but she was never able to get over the hump of breaking 80 regularly. This year has been a different story. Kayleigh is averaging a score of 76.9 through 18 holes, which is good for a place in the top 10 of the TCIS.
“She had the skill to do it last year but not the attitude,” head coach Matt Liebler said of the sophomore. “This year she is finally able to get over that hump because she has changed her mindset. Instead of getting angry at her previous shot she is now able to put it behind her and move on, not wearing her emotions on her sleeve.”
This change in mindset has Kayleigh regularly leading the Dolphins to victory. She has become very consistent with her driver, hitting 77% of fairways, and she is even more consistent with her irons, hitting greens in regulation 81% of the time. On top of those numbers, Kayleigh has made a staggering 24 birdies in nine matches.
“Kayleigh has worked tremendously hard on her game to get to where she is today,” Liebler confirmed. “There is no day that is too cold or wet to keep Kayleigh away from the golf course.”
And that rings true in the offseason as well. Coach Liebler is also the Assistant Golf Professional at The Princess Anne Country Club, and as a result he gets to work with Kayleigh as her swing coach year round. On a rainy day during the offseason Kayleigh called to schedule a lesson for that afternoon, despite the rain. Coach Liebler had the time because all other sane golfers had canceled their appointments. Kayleigh was determined to improve.
“I asked her if she was serious," coach Liebler admitted. “And Kayleigh responded by saying, ‘I'm going to have to some day play in a tournament in the rain and when that day comes I want to be prepared.’ Needless to say I got soaked that day.”
Those long hours of practice have earned Kayleigh three medalist honors this season, and two of those honors came last week against Bishop Sullivan and Greenbrier Christian. Kayleigh scored a 78 in tough, windy conditions against Bishop Sullivan on Tuesday. That 78 helped lead Cape Henry back to the win column after a tough defeat to Walsingham Academy on Monday. She followed that up two days later shooting a career best even par 70 against TCIS rival Greenbrier Christian. The impressive 70 led the Dolphins to their team low score of 302 and another victory, their 8th of the season.
During last week’s three-match span Kayleigh averaged a score of 75 over 18 holes, and the team went 2-1, improving its record to 9-1 overall (7-1 TCIS). The Dolphins currently sit atop the VISAA state polls, and they boast an impressive 14 match winning streak at home.
“Kayleigh has matured and continues to do so,” Liebler finished. “She has such a passion for the game of golf.”
And that passion has proven to be a recipe for success for both Kayleigh and the Dolphins.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Cape Henry vs. Norfolk Collegiate
Cape Henry vs Highland School
Cape Henry vs. Bishop Sullivan
Cape Henry hosted Hampton Roads Academy on Tuesday in a key conference and state match-up, and despite heavy rain the Dolphins earned a convincing 11-5 victory. Cape Henry relied on the efforts of goalie Will Overman (13 saves) through a back and forth first quarter as he turned away four shots to keep the score tied at 1-1 heading into the second quarter. From there the Dolphins offense took over. Cape Henry scored four goals in the second to carry a 5-2 lead into the half, and it scored another three in the third quarter to take an 8-2 lead into the final frame. John Everett led the team with three goals and one assist, and he was once again dominant facing off, winning 15 out of 18 draws. Senior Phil White had an outstanding day at attack, scoring two goals while pressuring the HRA defense repeatedly. Mike Maroon was steady in his all-around play, scoring a goal and dishing out two assists while adding a dominant presence on defense and clearing the ball. Garrett Kelly (two goals), Austin Curran (one goal, three assists), Colin Corcoran (one goal), Garrett Deming (one goal) and Will Mason (one assist) rounded out the offensive effort. Weston Bradley, John Jepson and William Jordan played key roles in a defensive effort that frustrated the Crusaders for a majority of the game. Cape Henry looks to build on its two-game winning streak when it travels to Norfolk Academy on Friday afternoon.
All six varsity golfers broke 80 yesterday as Cape Henry defeated the rain and Hampton Roads Academy at James River Country Club, 306-327. The win helped the Dolphins improve to 9-1 overall (7-1 TCIS) and gain momentum as the team nears post season. The lead group of seniors Cecil Ward (79) and Coles Keeter (77) set the pace as Max Wagner (79) and Mike Ettel (78) followed right behind. The final group of senior Chris Greene (77) and sophomore Kayleigh Reed (74) also held their own to also assist in the victory. Reed used an eagle and three birdies to help her continue her torrid pace and lead the team in scoring once again. Join the Dolphins Friday as they look to extend their home winning streak to 14 matches versus Norfolk Academy. It is the final home match of the season and we will celebrate the careers of seniors Max Wagner, Cecil Ward, Coles Keeter, and Chris Greene. The match is scheduled for 3:00 at the Princess Anne Country Club.
The Dolphins hosted HRA yesterday in the midst of a downpour, but they persevered through the weather for a 5-3 win. Despite strong play from Cape Henry the team found itself down a goal midway through the first half. An Alexa Liebig penalty kick equalized the score, and a Katie Ellis goal gave the Dolphins a 2-1 lead going into the break. Just after the second half kickoff, Kirby Talbert took the ball outside the HRA defense and set up Ellis with her second goal of the game, putting the Dolphins up 3-1. Cape Henry quickly followed its third goal by adding a fourth, this one off the foot of senior Rachel Law, giving the Dolphins a 4-1 lead. HRA was able to score two goals in a five minute span to narrow the score to 4-3 with minutes to play, but Cape Henry's Sammy White came to the rescue with a goal off of a corner kick to seal the score at 5-3. Maddie Sabol again played well in goal for Cape Henry after recently changing positions, and Nicole Nash was outstanding in defense upon her return to the lineup.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Cape Henry hosted Division II state powerhouse St. Anne's-Belfield on Friday and fell by the final score of 20-8. Though the Dolphins stayed within 4 for much of the first half, STAB broke it open near halftime with a string of fast break opportunities to put the score out of reach. Cape Henry’s offense produced numerous shot opportunities but failed to convert, though the scoring was well dispersed among several key attackers. Jordan Mahone (one goal), Megan Bradley (two goals), Regan Haegley (two goals), Laney Clarke (one goal) and Ashmore Standing (one goal) all contributed to the Dolphins offensive. Defensively, Maddie Houck and Payton Schaubach combined to hold STAB’s two returning All-Americans to a collective five goals on the day, but the depth and speed of the STAB attack outmatched the Cape Henry defense overall on Friday. The Dolphins close regular season play on Friday when they host Norfolk Academy for Senior Day (4pm).