The Nansemond River Lady Warriors took a loss in their final regular season game against the Lafayette Lady Rams 1-0 on Monday at Nansemond River. The match was very much a defensive struggle with the only goal coming with 2:28 remaining in the second half.

The Lady Warriors and Lady Rams proved to be very evenly matched and both sides were strong when on the defense.

The Lady Warriors spent approximately the first 10 minutes of the match deep in their own territory, but prevented the Lady Rams from scoring with a swarming defense anchored by TaNay Chandler, Alisen Spruill, and keeper Stephanie Tarafas. Tarafas finished the game with three saves.

The shots on goal margin told the story of the match as the Lady Warriors attempted just one goal against Lafayette’s zero in the first half. It is noted that Lafayette had a goal waived off by a questionable call at the 8:30 mark in which the official said the shot was not attempted inside the arc.

The second half was much of the same story with both teams struggling to create much offense. The shots on goal margin in the second half was 3 -1 in favor of the Lady Rams.

Lafayette clinched the win at the 2:28 mark with an impressive goal by Mel Marotta, who was swarmed by the tight Lady Warrior defense.

“There’s a little something missing that’s throwing our time off,” Nansemond River coach Darryl Yandle said afterwards, “We’re making it easier on the opposing defense by holding the ball too long.”

Monday afternoon was also Senior Day for the Lady Warriors. Chandler, Erika Smith, Breanne Lowe, Kayla Johnson and Jasmin Clark were honored during their final home match.

Lowe has plans on continuing to play field hockey at either Christopher Newport or Longwood. Johnson, a four-year letterwinner for Yandle and the Lady Warriors, wants to play club level hockey at Old Dominion. Chandler, an All-State and Junior Olympic medalist as a sprinter, wants to run track at Penn State.

The Lady Warriors next take on the Western Branch (8-3) in the first round of the Southeastern District Tournament. The semifinals of the tournament will be played on Wednesday, Oct. 29, with the NR vs. WB match set for 4:15 p.m. The final match is set for Friday, Oct. 31.

“It’ll be a battle,” said Yandle, “They took us lightly last time, so they’ll be gunning for us.”