Covenant field hockey just needed to keep Hampton Roads Academy at arm’s length, because HRA refused to go quietly in the VISAA Division II quarterfinals Tuesday night.
The Eagles managed to do just that and picked up a 5-3 victory over the Navigators in a shootout played at St. Anne’s-Belfield’s home field. The No. 3-seeded Eagles advance to the state final four where they’ll take on No. 2 Fredericksburg Academy Thursday.
“It’s amazing, we’ve been working for this since the beginning of the season, especially for us seniors,” Varaksa said. “It could be our last game so we’re giving it all and our teammates are supporting each other and giving 100 percent the whole way.”
First, Varaksa and Adair Blurton got the Eagles on the board in the first half, but HRA scored to cut that lead down to a goal before the break.
Varaksa knocked in another goal in the third quarter, but HRA managed to stay within a goal as Covenant led just 3-2 heading into the fourth.
Blurton and Ailyn Scott stepped up though and each scored to make it 5-2 before HRA scored again late, but the Eagles were in control by that point.
Covenant will take on Fredericksburg Academy at 3 p.m. Thursday. The Eagles tied FA 2-2 back in September when the two squads faced off.
