Modesty Gets Lumpkin’s Eagles Somewhere

Mills Godwin takes home a 1-0 victory over James River in the Central Region semifinals at Cosby

Kelsey Billups, trapped here, will make her fourth straight state tournament appearance.

Anne Lumpkin�??s
modest. Her stop-and-pop goal to lift Mills Godwin to a 1-0 victory
over James River in the Central Region semifinals at Cosby Wednesday
evening was a thing of beauty.

But let her tell it �?�

�??The field was fast,�?� said Lumpkin, �??so it helped it roll in.�?�

Whatever the reason, the sophomore�??s goal off a feed from Katie Anderson with about six minutes to go stood for the whole match as Godwin�??s defense, led by Central Region player of the year Lindsey Rowe (goalkeeper), kept James River�??s (13-4-2) opportunities to a minimum.

No
breakaways, few shots, fewer corners, ballgame to Mills Godwin
(15-1-1), a date with Atlee Friday in the region championship and a
ticket to the Group AAA state tournament, Godwin�??s fifth straight
appearance.

What was that? Did someone just say dynasty?

�??We have been blessed with consistent years of talented soccer players,�?� Eagles coach Rob White said. �??That�??s really the only way to string together years like that.�?�

One of those talented players is Godwin�??s Kelsey Billups (Virginia Tech signee), who joins former four-year starter Marybeth Barhan as the only players to start for four straight state tournament teams.

Rowe
is only a junior, but if you didn�??t have a program you wouldn�??t know.
She barked out commands and put her players in positions to succeed
often, hindering James River attacks.

�??I
definitely trust in my players and I want them to hear my voice so they
can trust in me,�?� Rowe said. �??I want them to know that I�??m back there
for them.�?�

Said White, �??She combines the knowledge of the game and an ability to communicate in a firm but always positive manner.�?�