Three things stayed cool and consistent all night—the temperature, Riley DeMartino, and Baylee DeSmit.
On a colder-than-usual, rainy night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the Annapolis Blues women showed just what they have to offer, winning a sixth game of the season and, now, confidently sit atop the division.
The first half was one of few chances and little excitement. Much of the game was played in the middle of the pitch, with neither side able to create any attacking chances. Annapolis came away with 57 percent possession, while both teams recorded one shot on target.
Fans who braved the rain would have to wait until the 59th minute to see a ball find the back of the net. The best part? It was the home team. Riley DeMartino received a short pass on the right wing, from none other than her sister, Delaney DeMartino. She quickly turned her defender and swiftly dribbled towards goal. Just as she entered the edge of the box, she unleashed a curling effort that found the bottom left corner of the back post.
DeSmit created and finished the Blues next opportunity, drawing a penalty kick in the 66th minute. Sara Martin played a clever ball that split the Virginia Beach center backs, finding DeSmit in on goal. Inside the box, DeSmit attempted to dribble around the goalkeeper, Robbi Curry, but was taken down by her. Stepping up to the spot, the 2023 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year calmly slotted her spot kick into the bottom left corner.
In the 74th minute, the Blues found a third. DeSmit swung in a corner from the left side of the pitch. Her kick was punched away by Curry but fell right back to the feet of DeSmit. Driving down the endline, she effortlessly beat her defender with a body faint before crossing a ball back to Sophie Thibeault, whose first time finish from the top of the six-yard box found the bottom right corner.
Hitting the road, Annapolis will look to continue its strong run of form, taking on Charlottesville Blues for a third time this season on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m.
