Lakeland’s still the defending state field hockey champs, but the youth of the Lady Cavaliers this season compared to the eight senior starters on last year’s 24-0 team was never more evident than as the Lady Cavs took on undefeated First Colonial Friday at the U.S. Field Hockey National Training Center.

First Colonial put five goals by the Lady Cavaliers in the first 18 minutes of play, more than Lakeland allowed in all 24 matches it played last fall, and went on to a 7-2 win, taking First Colonial to an 11-0 mark. The Lady Patriots lead the Beach District at 7-0. Being the top squad in Virginia Beach automatically puts First Colonial on a short list of favorites for the state championship coming up in November.

The Lady Cavaliers (9-3) are still on pace to be in the postseason as well, even with a starting 11 made up mostly of sophomores along with freshman goalkeeper Erin Bradshaw. While the Lady Cavaliers showed they could attack with success even against an opponent as fast and as skilled as First Colonial, the Lady Patriot offense put the score out of reach in the first half.

Kasey Smith scored Lakeland’s opening goal to answer First Colonial’s first strike.

Summer Parker finished a Lady Cavalier rush with a goal, coming off Gabrielle Wash’s assist, for Lakeland’s second goal coming 10 minutes before halftime.

In between, First Colonial blitzed Lakeland for four goals in an eight-minute span.

Even within the FC flurry, Lakeland had a fair amount of possession and pressed its attack into the Lady Patriot arc. Each time First Colonial gained a chance though, they converted expertly. Kelly Chesson led First Colonial with four goals.

The Lady Cavaliers, still perfect in the Southeastern District after thumping Western Branch 8-0 on Wednesday at the National Training Center, return to Southeastern play at Grassfield on Wednesday.