Lybert’s two goals lead Vikings

By Hugh Rist For the News & Messenger
Published: May 28, 2008

After unleashing nearly everything in her bag of tricks — including a thrilling bicycle kick that nearly did the trick — to no avail in the first half, Woodbridge sophomore forward Kristen Lybert showed why she is one of the Vikings’ main offensive weapons Wednesday, scoring two goals in the second half of a 2-1 victory over the E.C. Glass Hilltoppers in the Northwest Regional semifinals.
The victory guaranteed Woodbridge (18-1) a berth in the state tournament and set up a notable area showdown with Battlefield Friday night.
Lybert had seven of the Vikings’ 10 shots in the first half, including the bicycle kick that barely tipped out, while netting her a standing ovation from the Vikings faithful.
Early in the second half, Lybert took a soft cross from Shondel Archer at the low post and tapped it in, giving Woodbridge a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute. From there, much of the action stayed at the Woodbridge side of the field until the 58th minute when Lybert bumped her knee on a slide tackle after colliding with Hilltopper goalie Anna Greene.
Woodbridge coach Scott Kerns said the Vikings were fortunate the injury was not serious.
“When she (Kristen) went down and I heard that thud, I thought of the worst,” Kerns said. “Fortunately, she just had the wind knocked out of her and was able to come back in the game.”
Shortly thereafter, E.C. Glass began to find its offensive rhythm.
The Lynchburg team began moving the ball up the field when Lybert went out for a four-minute stretch and continued it when she returned.
In the 73rd minute, the Hilltoppers’ midfielder Jennifer Mawn drilled a high, arcing shot from about 30 feet that just eluded the leaping Woodbridge goalie, Heather Harvey, to tie the game.
But rather than sulk, the Vikings responded quickly, sparked by Lybert. Woodbridge moved the ball up field quickly and eventually freshman forward Brianna Nottingham got the ball on the right wing. She then executed a beautiful pass to a speeding Lybert who blasted it into the right corner of the goal with 7:15 left to make it 2-1.
Kerns praised Lybert’s play, noting she has scored the Vikings’ last four goals.
“She has come a long way in her development and is being rewarded for it,” Kerns said.
“She definitely needs to step up and take that initiative for us, and I think she’s done that during the last three games.”
Lybert was quick to credit everyone but herself for her scoring chances.
“Coach Kerns always preaches to us to get to the low post and when you do, good things will happen,” Lybert said. “Shondel always gives good crosses and I got one there. Brianna gave me a good cross on the second one and I was able to blast it into the corner of the goal. I’m always sprinting and getting myself into good position, but they have to make good crosses for us to score.”
One of the Vikings’ co-captains, Kathleen Smith, patrolled the goal area with ferocity, knocking away several promising shot attempts. Smith said she was excited that the Vikings clinched a state berth again after losing in the state semifinals last season.
“It is amazing,” Smith said. “I think we all wanted to get back there because this season has been an amazing ride. I think we all realize that to win we have to compress the field and we all feed off each other, so I think we have a chance to do well.”