WHS seniors go out winners

Published 5:02 pm Friday, May 6, 2011

Washington seniors Emily Lobos (5) Rachel Thompson (2) Sarah Nicholls (19) and Beth Batchelor (7) pose for a picture with soccer coach Jimmy Kozuch (center) before the Pam Pack’s 1-0 win over D.H. Conley on Thursday at Washington High School. (WDN/Photo Brian Haines)

Washington wrapped up its regular season with style as it knocked off Coastal Conference rival D.H. Conley 1-0 to clinch a Senior Night victory and its first winning season in four years.

On a night when the Pam Pack honored seniors Beth Batchelor, Rachel Thompson, Sarah Nichols and Emily Lobos, it was only right that Batchelor, the school’s all-time leading scorer, notched the game-winning goal.

“It’s totally fitting, she has worked so hard her whole career, there was no question in my mind that she was going to come out tonight in her last regular season game and give it everything she had,” Washington coach Jimmy Kozuch said.

“She did a great job. She deserves everything she has gotten in her career.”

Batchelor, who recently recorded her 100th career goal, lifted the Pack’s record to 9-8-1 (7-6) as it closed out the regular season.

“It feels great to get a winning season. We have struggled against Conley in the past so tonight was a big win,” Kozuch said. “It sets us off in the right direction as we get ready for the playoffs.”

Kozuch said the leadership of his four seniors has been instrumental to the Pack.

“They’ve been a big part of the team,” Kozuch said. “They bring a lot of positive energy to the team and help cool down the drama.”

With the win over Conley, Washington nabbed a four seed and some momentum heading into the postseason.

“It was a big win, it gave us some momentum going into the playoffs,” Kozuch said. “We had the week off last week because of spring break and this gets us back on track. We had to get the ball rolling again and this gets us headed in the right direction.”