Submitted by Moorefield Girls Soccer coach Jessica Markwood
The Moorefield Lady Yellow Jackets continued to show resilience and steady improvement on the pitch, even as they fell 8–1 to Robert C. Byrd in Thursday’s varsity matchup.
RCB applied heavy pressure from the opening whistle, but Moorefield showed improved spacing, communication, and ball movement—a sign of the team’s growing cohesion.
“In all honesty, I anticipated 10-0. We played a whole match and scored. Go girls. 2-0 at halftime; absolutely respectable for going head to head at RCB,” Moorefield Girls Soccer coach Jessica Markwood stated.
In goal, Grace Simmons was nothing short of outstanding. The junior goalkeeper faced an astounding 57 shots and recorded 31 saves, including several diving stops and point-blank denials. Her command of the backfield, vocal leadership, and fearless presence inside the 18-yard box kept Moorefield within striking distance through much of the first half that closed only 2-0 RCB.
“[Simmons] She’s downright impressive. This is third match coaches and refs have came up to her and told her how well she does. Goalies don’t get the love they deserve. It’s an incredibly tough position and she’s owning it. Glad she’s earning the recognition she deserves, just wish she didn’t have to work so hard back there all the time,” Coach Markwood noted.
Anchoring the defense, Makenna See delivered a strong performance at center back, applying pressure in the defensive third and showcasing sharper first touches and clearances.
In the midfield, Emily Parisi is growing into the No. 6 role, reading the game well and helping turn defensive stops into attacking opportunities. She made smart runs into space, connected passes through the middle, and initiated several promising counters.
On the flanks, Kuh and Wyman continued to grow as outside backs, showing confidence in stepping into passing lanes, making overlapping runs, and intercepting dangerous balls.
Up front, Bitsy is finding her stride as a target striker, using her strength to shield defenders and controlling tempo of game to help mount offensive attacks. The return of Jocelyn Wagner added energy to the attack and middle third control, while Parvatee Snyder’s speed helped stretch RCB’s back line, creating challenges in transition play.
Moorefield’s persistence paid off in the final minute of regulation. Off a well-placed corner kick by Elizabeth Williams, Emily Parisi volleyed the ball into the goal box, where Kiera Cornett finished in the top right corner to put the Lady Jackets on the board.
While the scoreboard favored RCB, the match highlighted Moorefield’s steady progress, individual skill development, and growing team chemistry—positive signs as the season moves forward.
Robert C. Byrd Boys Soccer shutout the Yellow Jackets 10-nil.
