Colonial Heights takes down New Kent 4-1 in rain-soaked contest

With steady rain falling, New Kent's Jennifer Critz (12) takes the ball away from Colonial Heights' Nicole Mills.

Alan Chamberlain photo

After spotting Colonial Heights a two-goal lead in the first half, New Kent’s Lady Trojans got back in Thursday night’s soccer match thanks to an early second half penalty kick. But the hosts got no closer. The Colonials added two more goals to claim a 4-1 triumph.

A steady rain fell for most of the first half, but the soggy field appeared to have little impact on overall play. The first opportunity to open the scoring came New Kent’s way on a perfect centering pass from Sara Ward to Jazmine Berry. Berry found an open spot in front of the Colonials’ goal, but her shot bounced wide to the left.

Next, the Colonials’ had chances, first on a shot that caromed off the top of New Kent’s goal and moments later on a shot blocked by keeper Lauren Barney. Barney could not control the ball, giving the visitors two more shots in rapid succession, but both were blocked by defender Paxton Rountree.

But the Colonials would break through with 14 minutes left before intermission. Rachel Beeler’s shot out of a crowd in front of the net handed the visitors a 1-0 lead. Beeler scored again with the half winding down for a 2-0 advantage at the break.

A hand ball violation in the box on a Berry shot 10 minutes into the second half set up Kristen Taylor’s penalty kick. Taylor drove the ball past keeper Kathryn Davis and into the right corner of the goal.

Just inside the second half’s midpoint, however, Nicole Mills lofted a long shot over Barney to put the visitors back up by two goals. With time winding down, Beeler completed the hat trick to create the final margin.

With the outcome, New Kent fell to 3-2 in conference play and 4-8 overall.