Two rivals clashed Wednesday evening at Lakeland High School as both the Lady Warriors and Lady Cavs wanted the best of each other.

Rival games are always tough because both teams want the bragging rights, and both teams could be very good in their own rights. Lakeland and Nansemond River both possess talented teams, and that was on display Wednesday.

Nansemond River got a 2-1 win, but it wasn’t easy. In the first half, both teams were able to get on the board. Halle Fago scored for the Lady Warriors with an assist from Lydia Pearl. Lakeland got on the board with a goal from Lindsey Widener.

Halfway through the second half, Sarah Rhiel was able to score what became the game-winner to give the Lady Warriors the 2-1 lead. It was a hard-fought game.

“They are well coached,” Lady Warriors Coach Allison Dize said. “When you’re playing a rival, nothing matters. Stats don’t matter, and neither do the records. When you’re playing a rival, you have to go out and be ready for a battle. It was two good teams out there.”

Lakeland had come into the game hot. They had outscored their previous two opponents earlier this week 20-0. They played three games in three days and came out 2-1 for the week.

“They came out very intense and tested us the whole game,” Fago said. “It’s good to get a win over a city rival.”

Lakeland will face Phoebus High School on the road at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Nansemond River will face its other rival, King’s Fork High School, at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.