Eliana Brown entered her senior year at Woodson relaxed about her college plans, having committed during the summer to playing field hockey at Colgate University. With the next step in her future figured out, Brown was able to focus on her present task: helping maintain the Cavaliers’ success.
In 2009, Brown led Woodson in scoring and the Cavaliers finished runner-up in the Northern Region — Woodson had won the region in 2007. Now a senior, Brown once again leads Woodson in scoring. Her 10th goal of the 2010 campaign propelled the Cavaliers to a 1-0 home win over T.C. Williams on Sept. 21, improving the team’s record to 6-4, 2-0 in the Patriot District.
"We always try to approach the new season and not put too much pressure on ourselves," Brown said. "But we know that we have [past success] to live up to and it definitely pushes us. We know we have a name to protect."
Brown’s goal came with 17:20 remaining in the first half. While Woodson wasn’t able to add to its lead, the Cavaliers possessed the ball for most of the contest.
"I thought we played really well," head coach Becky Preston said. "It seemed like our passing was going better this evening, especially in the first half. We were moving off the ball better tonight than I felt we had all year, which is encouraging to see. We’re starting to put stuff together from practice."
Preston also said sophomore Meghan Smiga and junior Morgan Willard played well against the Titans.
Woodson opened district play on Sept. 1 against West Potomac, beating the Wolverines 5-0, the only time the Cavaliers have scored more than two goals in a game this season. Brown and Leah Williamson each scored two goals for the Cavaliers and Gina Nicastro added one. Lizzie Swanton recorded seven saves.
Woodson will host Lee at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24.
— Jon Roetman