Stories for May 2012

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Thursday, May 31

Madison Girls Beat Lee on PK’s to Advance to Regional Semifinals

Warhawks set to meet W.T. Woodson in round of four soccer matchup.

Last Thursday, May 24 , under ominous skies at Lee High School in Springfield, the Madison Warhawks and Lee Lancers girls’ soccer teams squared off in a hard-fought Northern Regional quarterfinals playoff match that saw four overtime periods before eventually being decided on penalty kicks. Both teams played valiantly for over 100 minutes as Madison ultimately prevailed by a score of 3-3, 3-1 on penalty kicks.

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McLean Baseball Eliminated in Region quarterfinals

Highlanders come from behind to force extra innings with Bruins before losing 6-5 on ninth inning suicide squeeze play.

The McLean High baseball team gave one of the Northern Region’s annual powerhouse programs, Lake Braddock, a huge scare on Monday’s Memorial Day when the Highlanders rallied to tie the game in the latter innings. Ultimately, the home team Bruins won the Northern Region second round (quarterfinals) playoff game in extra innings, 6-5.

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Saxons Capture Region Tennis Crown

Langley girls defeat Jefferson Colonials in finals.

The Langley High girls' tennis team defeated Thomas Jefferson High, 5-0, to win the Northern Region title last week.

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Delaney Set to Play Volleyball at JMU

South Lakes volleyball standout earned Seahawks' Offensive Player of Year honors the past two fall seasons.

Sarah Delaney, a senior at South Lakes High School and a key member of the Seahawks' volleyball team during her four years with the program (three as a varsity team member), recently signed a collegiate letter of intent to play the sport next school year at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Delaney holds South Lakes' single season record for the most blocks per season as well as most kills per season.

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Bruins Baseball Reaches Region Semifinals

Clutch game-winning bunt by O'Connor; solid pitching by Church, Rogers lead Lake Braddock past McLean.

A perfectly executed bases loaded suicide squeeze play by Dylan O'Connor saved the day for the Lake Braddock Secondary baseball team and provided the winning run for the host Bruins in their dramatic 6-5 extra innings victory over McLean in a Northern Region quarterfinals playoff game played on Memorial Day afternoon.

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Westfield High to Host Spring Jubilee

State tournaments set to be held in baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and tennis.

Westfield High will host the upcoming Virginia High School League (VHSL) State AAA Spring Sports Jubilee from Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9. The Spring Jubilee will determine state AAA champions in baseball, softball, boys' and girls' tennis, soccer, and lacrosse. Westfield High is located at 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.

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Westfield Baseball Reaches Region Semifinals

Holiday win over Yorktown highlighted by three Bulldog homers.

Chuck Welch, the Westfield High baseball coach, is proud of his entire team for what it has accomplished this spring in reaching the Northern Region tournament baseball semifinals. But the veteran skipper is especially proud of his seven senior players who, prior to this spring, had never advanced so far in the postseason.

Langley Prevails, 8-6, Over Chantilly in Northern Region Final

Saxons weather late Chargers comeback try.

Chantilly Charger resilience with a spirited comeback effort fell just short in the end leaving the host Langley Saxons to claim a second Northern Region title in boys lacrosse with an 8-6 triumph in the tournament final on Friday, May 25.

Wednesday, May 30

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Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny

$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

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Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’

Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.

"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.

Editorial: Surviving through Summer

Helping teens.

It is that time again, the time from proms to graduation, and all the celebrations that come with it. It's lovely to think, from a distance, that this is a happy and uncomplicated time for teens as the school year winds down, many look forward to college in the fall and a summer of internships or other interesting activities.

Davis Carries Oakton Softball to Region Semifinals

Allison Davis threw a two-hit shutout and delivered a two-run double as Oakton defeated Hayfield, 6-0, in a Northern Region quarterfinal matchup at Falls Church High School.

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Maniglia Launches Wolverines into Region Semifinals

West Potomac beats Chantilly in region softball quarterfinals.

Morgan Maniglia launched a two-run home run — her 10th of the season — well over the left-field fence, propelling West Potomac to a 3-1, 11-inning victory at Falls Church High School.

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Martin, Burks Lead Stallions to Semifinals

South County softball beats Robinson in quarterfinal match-up.

Rebecca Martin hurled a one-hit shutout as South County advanced to the region semifinals with a 5-0 victory at Falls Church High School.

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Tuesday, May 29

Column: Off Topic, Almost

If only it were that simple. And as much I’d like to turn the cancer switch off, finding that switch has proven to be extremely challenging.

Monday, May 28

Langley Girls Storm Back to Clip Centreville, 7-6

Lady Saxons snag spot in Northern Regional lacrosse finals.

Langley High’s varsity girls lacrosse team earned a spot in the finals of the Northern Regional tournament and a seeding in the upcoming Virginia High School League (VHSL) state tournament with a thrilling semifinals comeback win over the Centreville Wildcats on the turf field at Marshall High School’s Jimmie Miller Field last Thursday, May 24.

Langley Reaches Northern Region Final with Win over Oakton

Saxons go on to defeat Chantilly in finals.

The Langley Saxons defeated the Oakton Cougars in a Northern Region boys’ lacrosse semifinals playoff game last Thursday, May 24. As a result, the Saxons booked their passage to the Northern Region boys’ finals the following day (Friday, May 25 versus Chantilly) and also earned an automatic seeding for the upcoming Virginia High School League (VHSL) state playoffs for the fourth year running.

Friday, May 25

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Rams Defeat Westfield in Rainy Concorde Title Game

Robinson baseball builds 3-0 lead before weather delay; Go on to 4-2 title game victory.

Both the Westfield and Robinson baseball teams, along with competing against one another in Tuesday night’s Concorde District tournament baseball championship game, had to deal with sloppy, rainy weather conditions as well. Ultimately, following a third inning delay due to rain, the Rams of Robinson came away with a 4-2 finals win.

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South Lakes Baseball Wraps Up Spring Season

Seahawks edge Fairfax in play-in game before season-ending loss at Marshall.

Although it took more than 24 hours, the South Lakes Seahawks baseball team ultimately subdued the Fairfax Rebels to win their opening Liberty District Tournament game, 8-7. The first three innings were played on Tuesday, May 15 with Seahawk senior pitcher Billy McLaughlin opening on the mound. In the top of the second inning, South Lakes' designated hitter Bobby Rae Allen singled to left field and Austin Gibbons parked a home run into the trees beyond the fence for a 2-0 advantage for the Seahawks.

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Madison Softball Rallies to Defeat McLean

Liberty semifinals win advances Warhawks to finals.

The Madison Warhawks' girls softball team fell behind early to the McLean Highlanders in a semifinals game of the Liberty District Tournament last Friday evening before rallying late to claim a 7-3 victory.

Hornet Boys Follow the Season Soccer Script

Herndon fullfills season game plan in winning Concorde title.

The long term season plan for the Herndon High boys' soccer team was to ultimately be playing its best by the postseason. The Hornets could not have fulfilled that mission any more successfully than they did at last week's Concorde District tournament where, as the No. 3-seed, they won all three of their games to capture the title.

Thursday, May 24

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Rams Defeat Westfield in Rainy Concorde Title Game

Robinson baseball builds 3-0 lead before weather delay; Go on to 4-2 title game victory.

Both the Westfield and Robinson baseball teams, along with competing against one another in Tuesday night’s Concorde District tournament baseball championship game, had to deal with sloppy, rainy weather conditions as well. Ultimately, following a third inning delay due to rain, the Rams of Robinson came away with a 4-2 finals win.

Langley Tops South County, 9-4, in boys’ Lacrosse Quarterfinal

Saxons advance to region final four meeting versus Oakton.

Junior Luke Salzer rocketed in a trio of goals that sparked the offense but it was a stalwart defense that carried the Saxons to a 9-4 triumph over the Stallions from South County in a Northern Region quarterfinals round playoff bout in boys lacrosse on last Friday evening, May 18 at Langley.

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Paul VI Baseball Grabs Another State Title

Panthers battle through illnesses to gain crown in Emerson’s final season.

Fresh off their third Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship in the last six years, the Paul VI High Panthers’ baseball team had one more goal this past week: to win another Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) state title for their departing skipper Billy Emerson.

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Twice the Thrill for McLean Highlander Soccer Teams

Both the McLean girls’ and boys’ teams capture Liberty titles.

The athletic grounds within Madison High School’s Norman Bradford Stadium were, for one night at least, a Highlander Haven last Friday, May 18 as both of the McLean High varsity soccer programs – the Highlander girls’ and boys’ squads – earned Liberty District champion status for 2012 as a result of tournament finals victories.

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Brianna Nielsen – On Her Feet Again

McLean High senior soccer standout, with renewed health, has been a rock for the Highlanders.

One would never realize to watch Brianna Nielsen play soccer that earlier this year she could barely even walk. The McLean High girls’ soccer standout, on the field of play, looks as if she was born to excel in the sport, with her ability to maintain and control the ball in the midfield, her natural instincts and feel for the game which seem to always have her at the most opportune place to make a play, and her all out hustle and easily recognizable passion for the game.

Langley Boys Edge Robinson in First Round Region Lacrosse Playoffs

Saxons’ Adams tallies four goals in postseason victory.

The Robinson Rams punched at their weight and then some but came up just short in a valiant attempt to send off defending state title holder Langley from postseason play at the launch of the boys lacrosse Northern Region tournament competition on Wednesday, May 16.

Langley Girls Lacrosse Powers Way to Region Semifinals

Saxons defeat host W.T. Woodson, 14-9, in quarterfinals contest.

The Langley High girls’ lacrosse team advanced to the semifinals of the Northern Virginia Regional Tournament with a 14-9 win over the Patriot District champion Lady Cavaliers of W.T. Woodson High School. The postseason contest took place last Friday, May 18 at Woodson.

Wednesday, May 23

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Braun Saves TC Boys’ Soccer in Regional Opener

Titans defeat Stuart in penalty-kick shootout.

T.C. Williams goalkeeper Nick Braun has two clutch saves in a Northern Region tournament victory against Stuart.

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TC Rowers Gear up for National Championship

Coming off a solid performance at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia this past weekend, the T.C. Williams crew team heads north once again this coming weekend to compete in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America’s National Championship Regatta in Camden, N.J.

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MV Boys’ Soccer Captures National District Title

Majors beat Yorktown for first district championship since 2005.

Simond Kargbo’s goal in the 60th minute broke a 1-all tie, Amardo Oakley converted a penalty kick for insurance and the Mount Vernon boys' soccer team captured its first district title since 2005 with a 3-1 victory against Yorktown on May 18 at MVHS.

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Lake Braddock Baseball Wins Patriot District

Bruins beat West Springfield for second title in three years.

The Lake Braddock baseball team pounded 10 hits and played solid defense behind starting pitcher Michael Church en route to a 7-2 victory against West Springfield on May 21 in the Patriot District championship game.

Bulldogs Boys’ Lax Ends Season at State Semifinals

Churchill falls to Westminster, 14-10.

While Churchill experienced emotional high and lows, the Bulldogs are hoping the 2012 season acts as a foundation for a formidable future.

Churchill Girls’ Lax More Competitive at State Level

Bulldogs capture third consecutive region championship.

After winning a third consecutive 4A/3A West Region championship, the Churchill girls’ lacrosse team once again fell short in the state semifinals. This time, however, a more competitive contest gave the Bulldogs reason to believe they’re improving.

Whitman Baseball Falls Short

Vikings lost to Northwest in extra innings in region final.

Northwest defeated Whitman, 5-3, in eight innings on May 18 in Bethesda to earn the 4A West crown.

Prins Leads Yorktown Softball Past Former W-L Teammates

Patriots defeat Generals in district tournament semifinals.

Lillian Prins smashed a full-count pitch off the center-field fence for an RBI double, lifting the Yorktown softball team to a 2-1 victory on May 17 and a berth in the National District tournament championship game.

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Sports Briefs: Arlington Aerials Gymnasts Win Medals

The Arlington Aerials gymnastics team finished off its season strong, earning two more team plaques at various state competitions.

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Governor Signs Voter ID Bills

McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.

Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.

Tuesday, May 22

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Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day

Time to honor, also time to ensure proper care of veterans.

In February, Brig. Gen. Terence J. Hildner, 49, of Fairfax, was the highest ranking military officer to die in the war on terror.

Column: Living Longer, Sort of Prospering

Though my column has appeared in the newspaper as usual the last few weeks, I haven’t felt much like writing. Typically, I’m weeks ahead with my column inventory, having regularly found the time and inclination to put pen to paper and provide the prose you regular readers have come to expect.

Thursday, May 17

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Fairfax Edges South Lakes Baseball in Final Inning

King homers for Seahawks, knocks in four runs.

In a hard-fought road contest for the South Lakes High baseball team, the Seahawks were defeated last Tuesday night, May 8 by the Fairfax Rebels, who came from behind in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the Liberty District game 8-7.

Herndon High Lacrosse

All-Concorde District Honors

Both the Herndon High girls’ and boys’ lacrosse teams were well-represented in recent All-Concorde District selection recognition for the spring season. The All-District Teams were announced during the halftime intermissions of last Friday night’s Concorde District girls’ and boys’ finals games at Chantilly High School. The Oakton High girls won their title game contest in the double-header championship night’s first game with a victory over Centreville. In the nightcap finals game, the Oakton boys defeated Westfield.

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Langley Boys Lacrosse Edges Madison in Liberty Finals

Ahearn's 5 goals, 4 assists lead Saxons to fifth consecutive district crown.

The Langley High Saxons captured their fifth Liberty District tournament title in as many years last Friday, May 11 in a riveting boys lacrosse contest at Marshall High School. The Saxons defeated a tenacious Madison Warhawk side that pushed the Saxons to the brink before they were able to secure a 13-12, smash-and-grab finals win for the district title.

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Double the Fun for Oakton Lacrosse

Both the Cougar girls and boys teams capture Concorde District titles.

A poor defensive game contributed to the Oakton girls' lacrosse team 14-13 Concorde District home loss to rival Centreville High a month ago on April 13. The defeat for the Cougars was one of just two they experienced during the regular season this spring.

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Robinson Girls Lax Made Forward Progress This Spring

Rams, under their new head coach, had a good second half to the season.

The Robinson Secondary girls' lacrosse team saw its first season under veteran head coach Liz Case come to an end this past Tuesday night, May 15 when the Rams lost to defending Northern Region champion Madison, 19-13, in a first round game of the 16-team region playoffs. The postseason contest took place at Madison High School in Vienna.

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Lancers Softball Holds Special Tribute Game

Patriot District contest with Woodson honors former Robinson coach.

On Monday, May 7, a special girls' softball game was played at Lee High School between the home team Lancers and guest W.T. Woodson. The regular season Patriot District matchup between the two teams had a greater purpose, however.

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Oakton Spoils Championship Lax Night for Locals

Westfield boys, Centreville girls both reach Concorde finals.

Two local high school lacrosse teams — the Centreville High girls, and the Westfield boys — both reached the finals of their respective Concorde District tournaments last week. Both squads played in district title games on Friday, May 11 at Chantilly High School, the host site of both the girls' and boys' tournaments. The night, however, belonged to Oakton High which saw both its teams (girls and boys) earn district championship banners.

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Chargers at Their Best Late in Season

Chantilly boys soccer advances to Concorde semifinals.

The Chantilly High boys' soccer team defeated Centerville High, 2-0, in a first round game of the Concorde District tournament earlier this week on Monday, May 14. With the win, Chantilly, the six-team tournament's No. 5-seed, advanced to the district semifinals and also earned a seeding at next week's 16-team Northern Region playoffs.

CVHS Sports Notebook (May 16)

Numerous Wildcat lacrosse players earn all-district accolades.

The Wildcats competed in two local invitational meets to close out their regular season. The team hosted the inaugural Centreville Freshman Track Classic on Saturday evening, May 12.

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Wednesday, May 16

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Mount Vernon Sports Briefs: MVHS Baseball Closes Regular Season with No-Hitter

Mount Vernon senior right-hander David Lehner threw an eight-inning no-hit shutout against Edison on May 7 — Mount Vernon’s first no-hitter since 2003.

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Hayfield Girls’ Lax Drops OT Heartbreaker to Yorktown

Hawks finish National District runner-up for third straight season.

Yorktown defeated Hayfield, 9-8, in sudden-death overtime on May 10, capturing its seventh consecutive district title. The Hawks held a 6-2 halftime lead and a one-goal advantage during the second overtime period, but couldn’t fend off the Patriots.

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Woodson Boys’ Lax Wins Patriot District

Cavaliers avenge losses to Annandale, South County.

The Woodson boys' lacrosse team defeated South County on May 11 to win the Patriot District tournament title.

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Woodson Girls’ Lax Wins 3rd Straight Patriot Title

Finnerty’s five goals push Cavaliers past Lake Braddock.

After losing to the Bruins in the regular season, Woodson beat Lake Braddock, 14-11, in the Patriot District girls' lacrosse tournament final on May 11.

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Sargent Leads SSSAS Softball to ISL AA Tournament Title

Junior’s maturity shows in 13-strikeout, five-RBI performance.

St. Stephen's & St. Agnes pitcher Alexis Sargent struck out 13 and went 4 for 4 with five RBIs during the Saints' victory in the ISL AA softball tournament final.

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Opening Doors for People in Need

FACETS celebrates volunteers, donors at annual benefit breakfast.

Surrounded by nearly 350 business executives, politicians and community leaders in the chandeliered ballroom of the Waterford, Frank Somers - dressed in jeans, sneakers and a denim work shirt - looked a little out of place.

Tuesday, May 15

Churchill Boys’ Lax Ends Wootton’s 6-Year Stranglehold

Bulldogs beat Patriots, advance to region championship game.

Churchill defeated Wootton, 9-6, in the 4A/3A West Region semifinals on Monday, May 14, ending the Patriots’ six-year run as region champion.

Churchill Girls’ Lax Reaches 4th Consecutive Region Final

Flax scores 7 goals, Bulldogs beat Blake in semifinal shootout.

Churchill’s path to a fourth consecutive region final appearance hasn’t been easy, but the Bulldogs completed the task with a 21-16 victory over the Bengals on May 14.

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Seven Straight

Yorktown girls’ lax beats Hayfield in sudden-death OT to maintain district-title streak.

Junior midfielder Meaghan Galvin scored in sudden-death overtime to lift the Yorktown girls' lacrosse team to a 9-8 victory at Hayfield Secondary School, giving the Patriots their seventh consecutive district championship.

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Game On

George Mason University students develop video games aimed at curtailing gang recruitment in Virginia.

Law enforcement officials now have two unlikely weapons in the fight against gang activity in Virginia: video games and college students.

Editorial: Most Endangered?

Potomac River has made great strides, has miles to go to save the Bay.

Unless your home is served by well water, you are almost certainly among the five million people in the Washington Metropolitan area who get their drinking water from the Potomac River.

Column: “Psycho-not-so-matic” Anymore

Whatever I thought was only happening in my head – or not, or was really happening physically – or not, is the muddled description of the thoughts and emotions that this cancer survivor/cancer patient-still-receiving-treatment feels every time I make a 24/7 self assessment (which is often).

Friday, May 11

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Wildcats Softball Primed for the Playoffs

Centreville gets big Concorde wins over Rams, Hornets, Bulldogs.

The Centreville High girls’ softball team is playing its best ball at the right time of the spring with the regular season winding down and the postseason just ahead.

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Chantilly Pushes Rams to the Limit in Playoff Loss

Chargers, in Concorde quarterfinals, can’t quite overcome eight-goal deficit in 2nd half.

Both teams showcased their scoring prowess last Friday evening, May 4 when Robinson and Chantilly met in a first round Concorde District girls’ lacrosse playoff contest at Robinson Secondary.

Thursday, May 10

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Presidential Visit to Washington-Lee

President Barack Obama made his first visit to Washington-Lee High School on Friday, May 4.

Centreville High Sports Report (May 9)

Lady Wildcats defeat Herndon in softball.

Softball: The Lady Wildcats came out on top of their `rematch week’ with big wins against Herndon on Tuesday, May 1st and Westfield on Friday, May 4th. They have two wins against Robinson, one loss each to Chantilly and Oakton, and have split with Herndon and Westfield, bringing their record to 4-4 in the Concorde District.

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Robinson Girls Lacrosse Advances to Regionals

Rams win Concorde playoff opener over Chantilly Chargers.

Both teams showcased their scoring prowess last Friday evening, May 4 when Robinson and Chantilly met in a first round Concorde District girls' lacrosse playoff contest at Robinson Secondary. With a Northern Region playoff seeding on the line and a chance to advance to the district semifinals, both teams played with passion and determination. For the winner, it would be the first game of what could be an extended postseason. For the losing team, it would mark the end of the season. In the end, Robinson, the six-team district tournament's No. 4 seed, held off a ferocious late game Chantilly rally and defeated the Chargers, 19-16.

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Patriot District Lax Tourneys in Full Throttle

Boys and girls title games set for Friday evening at Lee.

The semifinals rounds of both the girls’ and boys’ Patriot District lacrosse tournaments were scheduled to take place earlier this week at Lee High School in Springfield.

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Stallions Ready for the Postseason

South County softball playing outstanding ball as regular season winds down.

With one game remaining in the regular season, the South County girls' softball team is beginning to get geared up for the upcoming postseason.

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A Different Kind of Win For Lancer Girls Soccer

Lancer team members take part in Lupus benefit walk.

The Lee High girls' soccer team participated at the recent Lupus Walk fundraiser event in Washington, D.C. Lancer team members sent out emails to fundraise and bring awareness for the benefit event. The walk itself was 1.5 miles.

Wednesday, May 9

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Mount Vernon Boys’ Soccer Approaching No. 1 Seed

Majors receive wake-up call from loss to Chantilly.

The Mount Vernon boys' soccer team has responded well to its first loss of the season.

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SSSAS Girls’ Lax Coach Jenkins Earns Win No. 600

Saints coach co-founded program at St. Agnes School in 1976.

Kathy Jenkins, who co-founded the girls' lacrosse program at St. Agnes School in 1976, earned her 600th career victory on May 3.

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TC Crew Freshman Girls Capture Silver Medal

When they began the season, the T.C. Williams girls’ freshman 8 was like any other freshman boat in the sport of rowing — unproven, untested, and unsure of how they would do. By the end of this past weekend, the TC girls’ freshman 8 was something else — one of the two best boats in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Churchill Boys’ Lax Storms Back Against Watkins Mill

Bulldogs enter postseason as top seed in 4A/3A West.

While things started poorly for the Churchill boys' lacrosse team, the Bulldogs ended their regular season finale game playing like a No. 1 seed.

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Churchill Girls’ Lax Enters Playoffs as No. 2 Seed

Bulldogs beat Watkins Mill in regular season finale.

With leading scorer Mairin Hall sidelined due to illness, the Churchill girls’ lacrosse team closed the regular season with a 17-7 victory against Watkins Mill on May 7 in Montgomery Village. While the Bulldogs still had more than enough to get past the Wolverines, Churchill wasn’t so fortunate against Quince Orchard three days earlier.

Wootton’s Keenen Has Big Day in Defeat

Brett Keenen finished 3 for 4 with a home run, a double to the fence in left-center and four RBIs, but struggles on the mound and five fielding errors doomed the Patriots.

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Dowdell Powers Yorktown Baseball Past Hayfield

Patriots win, Stuart loss earns Yorktown district’s top seed.

Red Dowdell’s fifth-inning RBI triple tied the score at 1-all and his seventh-inning double off the center-field fence plated the winning run as the Yorktown baseball team defeated Hayfield 3-2 at Greenbrier Park.

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Wakefield Boys' Lax Looking to Build on Victory

The Wakefield boys' lacrosse program ended a 99-game losing streak with a victory against Park View on April 24.

Tuesday, May 8

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Sharing Their Love of the Sport

South Lakes boys’ lacrosse set to conduct summer youth camps again.

The South Lakes High boys' lacrosse team has experienced good success on the field this spring. This summer, the Seahawks, under head coach Craig Lunde, plan to once again share their winning ways and knowledge of the sport to youth lacrosse players throughout the Herndon and Reston areas with their South Lakes Lacrosse Summer Camps sessions.

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Madison Softball Playing Shut Down Ball

Warhawks edge Saxons 1-0 behind stellar defense and one-hit pitching gem by Kelsey Ross.

Since its eight-game win streak ended with a loss at Liberty District opponent Stone Bridge High in Ashburn on Friday, April 27, the Madison High Warhawks girls' softball team has gotten back into the win column with a pair of district shutout wins. Both victories came last week.

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Highlanders Hoping to Take Off in Soccer Postseason

District OT losses have hurt McLean boys, but team is poised for strong showing at upcoming Liberty tournament.

It has been a season of several frustrating, down to the wire losses for the McLean High boys' soccer team. On the other hand, the Highlanders have also won enough games to have clinched a winning regular season record and to believe they can be an impact team at the upcoming Liberty District and perhaps even the Northern Region playoffs.

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The Best Seats Outside the House

Local designers offer tips for creating a spectacular patio or deck.

Warm weather means more time spent lounging by the pool or grilling on the patio. A winter-worn outdoor space can make popular warm weather pastimes less than appealing. Creating a space that provides both comfort and style can be a daunting undertaking. Local designers are offering suggestions for creating a luxurious retreat fit for relaxing or outdoor entertaining.

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Housing Discrimination Alert

Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.

Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.

Editorial: Transparency, Technology and Tolls

With E-Z Pass transponder on the windshield, you should know what you're about to pay; whatever it is, it's going up.

Despite the high number of drivers in Northern Virginia who already have an E-Z Pass transponder, when the HOT-Lanes open on the Beltway, there will be pressure for many more drivers to subscribe.

Column: “I’m Fine”

Mostly. All things considered, and as a stage IV (terminal) lung cancer patient, it’s impossible – for me, to not consider all things.

Friday, May 4

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SSSAS Boys’ Lax Blows Out Episcopal

It has been said records can be thrown out when rivals play one another. On April 27, the St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes boys’ lacrosse team might have disregarded Episcopal’s record, but it didn’t forget the Maroon’s three-game win streak between the Alexandria programs.

TC’s Whitmire Commits To Play Volleyball at JMU

Kate Whitmire got off the phone with the James Madison University volleyball coaching staff on April 23 and started to dance. The T.C. Williams junior had determined where she was going to college and it was time to celebrate a weight lifted off her shoulders.

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TC Rowers Claim 3 Victories at Charlie Butt Regatta

The T.C. Williams crew team traveled to Georgetown this past Saturday, April 28 to compete in the Charlie Butt Regatta, a race that started on the Potomac just above the Key Bridge and ended in the shadow of the Kennedy Center just down the river.

Thursday, May 3

Local Safety Net Clinics Seek a Few Good Doctors

Specialty care physicians and other medical professionals needed to serve low income, uninsured patients.

When Marie Markey of Alexandria retired from U.S. Air Force as a physical therapist, she rolled up her sleeves and went to work helping those in need. Markey works as a volunteer twice each week at the Arlington Free Clinic, offering physical therapy to the clinic’s low income and uninsured patients.

Langley Girls Lax Romps to Liberty District Regular Season Crown

Saxons defeat improved South Lakes for title, three days after downing Jefferson.

The Langley High girls lacrosse team capped an undefeated campaign in the Northern Region’s Liberty District with a convincing 14-7 win over the South Lakes Seahawks on April 30.

Saxons Tame Bulldogs in 9-6 Scuffle at Langley

Langley remains alone in first place Liberty boys lacrosse standings.

The Langley Saxons edged closer to securing the Liberty District top spot for the boys lacrosse district playoffs next week with a 9-6 home win over the Stone Bridge Bulldogs on Wednesday, April 25.

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Warhawks Boys' Tennis Falls to Jefferson, 6-3

Madison gives 3-time defending champion Colonials a good match.

The Madison High boys’ tennis team, in a Liberty District home match on Friday, April 20, defeated Marshall High, 6-3. The visiting Statesmen gave the Warhawks a good match and the score was tied at 3-3 following singles play. However, Madison swept the three doubles matches to earn the team win.

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Volunteers Honored for Efforts

Four locals receive Community Champions Awards for Health Care and Social Services to the Community.

Four Northern Virginia volunteers were honored for their charitable efforts recently. Edward Shahin of McLean, Marie Markey of Alexandria and Mattie Palmore and Kari Warren of Mt. Vernon received the Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award during a ceremony at the at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax.

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Madison Softball Win Streak Ends With Loss to Stone Bridge

Warhawks, in earlier week game, edge Statesmen.

The Madison Warhawks lost a 13-2 decision to Stone Bridge in a Liberty District girls’ softball game with first place on the line last Friday night, April 27. The Warhawks, with the setback, saw their eight-game win streak snapped. Madison jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. But after that, the Bulldogs cruised to the five-inning victory.

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Westfield Working to Regain Winning Form

Bulldogs set to host Concorde and local softball rival Centreville this Friday.

The Westfield High girls’ softball team, over the final few weeks of the regular season, will be looking to get back into the winning mode that was such a prominent characteristic of its season through mid-April.

South Lakes Baseball Loses Tough One to Langley

But earlier in the week, King homers to lead Seahawks in sweep over Jefferson.

For the second time this season, the South Lakes Seahawks baseball team battled the Langley Saxons (9-7 record) but came up just short in a 5-3 loss. The Liberty District game took place last Friday night, April 27 at Langley.

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Chantilly Boys Break Into Soccer Win Column

Chargers get victories over Westfield and Mount Vernon.

The Chantilly High boys’ soccer team, following a 0-8 start to the season, won consecutive games last week. The Chargers, in a Concorde District outing at Westfield High last Thursday, April 26, defeated the Bulldogs, 4-0, for their first win of the season. And earlier this week on Monday, April 30, Chantilly, in overtime, won a non-district home game over Mount Vernon, 4-3.

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Northern Region Sports Notes (May 2-8)

Fairfax Adult Softball signup; Wildcats baseball hosting benefit game; McLean tennis rolling; Langley softball wins.

The Centreville High varsity baseball team will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Washington, D.C. chapter of Operation Homefront during its home game on Tuesday, May 8 against Concorde District rival Oakton.

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Smith Leads Lancers to Baseball Win

Junior right-hander tosses three-hit shutout against T.C. Williams

Lee High baseball pitcher Will Smith threw a complete game shutout for the Lancers in their 3-0 Patriot District home win over T.C. Williams last Friday night, April 27.

College Recruiting Seminar to be Held at South County Secondary

Parents, student-athletes to learn ins and outs of choosing a college.

A seminar to prepare parents and athletes for the college recruiting road ahead - complete with all its bumps - will be held on Wednesday night, May 23 at 7:30 at South County Secondary.

Lancer Girls Looking for Strong Soccer Finish

Lee to host Patriot rival Wolverines in season finale May 9.

With just a couple more weeks remaining in the regular season, the Lee High girls' soccer team is right around the .500 mark (4-5-1) and playing particularly well of late. The Lancers are 2-1-1 over their past four games. While its play has been uneven at times over the course of the spring season, the Lee team is certainly playing good soccer as the upcoming Patriot District tournament draws near.

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Robinson Boys' Lacrosse Poised for Big Postseason

Rams finish regular season over .500 at 6-5.

It has been a season of streaks for the Robinson Rams boys' lacrosse team, which has won or lost this spring in bunches. But the Concorde District squad has been playing a good brand of lacrosse of late and appears to be at a good place with the postseason set to begin this Friday night with the start of the six-team district tournament.

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Lake Braddock Baseball Versatile in Victory

Bruins beat Woodson with power, pitching and execution.

After falling behind early in Tuesday’s game at Woodson, the Lake Braddock baseball team put on a third-inning display of offensive versatility.

Wednesday, May 2

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Hauptle Leads Wolverines to Victory on Senior Night

West Potomac girls’ lacrosse defeats South County in overtime.

Emily Hauptle’s final regular season game as a member of the West Potomac girls’ lacrosse team began with an invite to the prom. It ended with the senior scoring a pair of overtime goals to beat South County.

Editorial: Reminders to Press Ahead for Housing

Spring discussion on hypothermia shelters could help preparations for winter.

In February, 2007, 59-year-old Robert Bruce Miller was found dead outdoors in Chantilly. Miller was homeless, known to businesses and residents in the area. He died of hypothermia, exposure to the cold.

Tuesday, May 1

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Yorktown Girls’ Soccer Cruises Past Competition

Patriots outscored opponents 48-3 during 9-0-2 start.

While Meghan Flynn’s desire to capitalize on a scoring opportunity helped the Yorktown girls’ soccer team put the finishing touch on a 3-0 victory against the Rebels, the Patriots’ desire to remain undefeated pushed them to a 9-0-2 record through the season’s first 11 games.

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Day Determined to Build a Football Winner at Herndon

New Hornets' head coach wants team to be physically tough.

After being a part of two Northern Regional football titles, two state championships and six district crowns while serving as an assistant coach over the years at Concorde District high schools Westfield and Centreville, Brian Day, this past January, accepted the position as new head football coach at fellow Concorde rival Herndon High.

Pitcher Haynes Leads Wootton Softball to Division Title

Patriots beat Whitman behind senior’s complete-game effort.

Senior pitcher Casey Haynes led the Wootton softball team past Whitman on April 30 to capture the 4A South Division championship.

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South Lakes' Lacrosse Clinches a Winning Season

Despite being undermanned, Seahawk boys defeat Liberty foe Highlanders.

Despite being far from 100 percent healthy, the South Lakes High boys' lacrosse team assured itself of a winning record this season by defeating McLean High last Thursday night, April 26, by a 9-7 score in the Liberty District contest played at South Lakes.

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McLean Softball on Course for Strong Finish

Highlanders are 8-2 in the strong Liberty District.

Over the course of the high school girls' softball season, the McLean Highlanders have shown upward progress and gotten better and better. There have been a few lopsided losses to some exceptional opponents, but the Liberty District team has consistently responded with strong bounce-back games and improved play. All things considered, this spring's Highlanders have displayed both fortitude and talent, with an 11-4 overall record.

Column: News That’s Fit To Print

As our Publisher and fellow cancer survivor, Mary Kimm, e-mailed back to me last week: “Who knew ‘stable’ could be so exciting?”

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Oakton Ready for Another Big Postseason

Cougars' girls lacrosse playing at a high level.

The Oakton High girls' lacrosse team, along with being talented and experienced, is also playing at a high level at the right time of the spring season with the start of the postseason set to begin this Friday night with opening round games of the six-team Concorde District tournament.