By Laura Clark

Published: April 16, 2008

After a close first half, the Bees adjusted and scored four goals after halftime to win 6-1 against Nelson on April 14.
It was the best first half the Govs played all season, coach Phillip Kerl said. Nelson worked the ball up the wings and used its speed and aggressiveness up the middle with sweeper Erica Stowe and newcomers Megan Campbell (center midfield) and Kate Collins (midfield/stopper).
“I think we’re pretty strong up the middle, we just don’t have any offense,” Kerl said. “We’re battling so hard to win balls, just to keep the other team off.”
Nelson scored the first goal in 27th minute. Freshman forward Mallory Crandall, returning from an ankle injury, connected on a short pass from Kestrel Kerl in the 6-yard box.
Brookville scored the equalizer just two minutes later. Center midfielder Nichole Smith sent an uncontested shot from outside the 18-yard box past starting Gov keeper Danyelle Phillips. It was Smith’s first of three goals. She scored in the 32nd minute to give Brookville the lead, knocking in Claire Hayden’s corner kick.
Nelson didn’t have an answer for Brookville’s goals. The Bees settled down into the second half and pounded Nelson’s goal. Brookville’s Ashley Hicks scored on a scramble in the box, and Hayden added two goals.
“Despite the outcome of this game, they really are coming together,” Kerl said. “We’re getting better each week. Right now we’re just overmatched.”
The Govs are 0-5. Kerl told his players that these early tough matches would benefit them later in the season. Nelson will face Group A teams this week with Monticello on Wednesday and Appomattox on Friday. The Govs put seven shots on Brookville keepers Danielle Montalbano and Yasmine Huggins.