Wilson locks up Group A berth

FISHERSVILLE — Wilson finally did it.

After falling to George Mason every year in regional play, last week Wilson got its chance at a regional championship.

By defeating Altavista Saturday morning 5-0, Wilson claimed the Region B Championship.

“We have four girls who have been on the ladder all four years,” Wilson coach Seth Lovell said. “They definitely earned this.”

The first of his four-year starters was Christine Coffield who fought off a first set rally by Altavista’s Andra Brumfield before winning the second set a little easier for a 7-5, 6-1 win to get the Hornets one of five points needed for the title.

“I played Michelle [Repper of Mason] last week and she plays a lot different than this girl,” Coffield said. “I didn’t think I played my best game. She made some good plays.”

Three shutouts helped the Green Hornets advance.

Hannah Shields, Amanda Gorb, and Katie Hock all won 6-0, 6-0 against Altavista.

Hock was playing up at No. 5 from her usual spot at No. 6 to fill the spot of Kala Guy who was at the state track meet.

Freshman Charlotte Harnad took Hock’s spot at No. 6 singles, winning the second set after dropping the first.

The match would not be completed because Wilson had already reached the necessary five points.

“This is what we expected,” Altavista coach Chris Brumfield said. “They are strong one to six and we do not see that type of competition. A lot of teams will not play us so we have a hard time when we play good opponents because our district is weak.”

Wilson was happy to win the region, but the sights of the Hornets are set a little higher.

“We knew that the road to the state tournament ran through George Mason,” Lovell added. “But we planned for every match the same way rather it was Riverheads, Parry McCluer, Mason or Spotswood. We don’t make adjustments. We just play our game.”

After the trophy presentation and all the pictures parents wanted, the look of elation was noticeable on every face in green.

“I am very happy,” Coffield said. “We have worked really hard and we did it.”

Wilson will play the Region A champion Friday morning at 9 a.m. at Radford in the Group A tournament.