Just as has been the case for the past four seasons, no one in Suffolk or Chesapeake could shut down Lakeland. Unfortunately, just as the case for the past four seasons, someone from Virginia Beach could.

Following in the footsteps of the Tallwood squad that defeated the Lady Cavaliers earlier in the season – and in those of the Princess Anne team that beat them the last four season in regional competition – Cox defeated Lakeland 3-1 in the Eastern Region semifinals Thursday at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

The Lady Falcons went on the attack at the start, and slipped in a goal at the 12:37 mark. But Lakeland got its first corner of the game 10 minutes later, and Stephanie Owen hit it out to Nicole Klee. Klee stopped the ball, and Lindsey Cutchins smacked it forward. The ball bounced off the keeper’s pads, and Owen knocked it in to tie the score at the half. Unfortunately, Lakeland wouldn’t get another shot, and Cox went ahead nine minutes into the half and iced the game with 56 seconds to play.

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com