Tuscarora is far from a one-woman team. Goalkeeper Lara Bates has made a number of game-preserving saves, and midfielder Kristina Skulte has been a wizard as a distributor. When it comes to scoring, however, one player has shouldered the burden nearly by herself: forward Dacheka Kolcum.

The senior has accounted for 18 of the team’s 29 goals this season, and it’s not hard to see why. At 6-feet tall, Kolcum stands above most teammates and opponents, and with the ability to score with both feet, she’s been nearly impossible to stop this season.

“She’s a big player who uses her body while also having that finishing touch,” Huskies Coach Dave Gryder said. 

Tuscarora (9-1-2) normally plays in a 5-4-1, with Kolcum setting up camp in the scoring third. The Huskies aim to maintain possession for large chunks of matches, gradually building up to opportunities. When that works, more often than not it ends with Kolcum having a shot at goal.

The formula worked to perfection Monday at John Champe. Kolcum scored all three goals in the team’s 3-1 victory.

“She’s our key player,” Gryder said.

Gryder is a first-year coach, having jumped over from Tuscarora’s boys’ team to coach his daughter, Mackenzie, a freshman defender. Mackenzie slid into the starting lineup after junior Tori Custer suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament before the start of the season, and has quickly become an asset for a defense that has registered five shutout victories.

After finishing last season with an 8-8 record, the Huskies have already eclipsed last season’s win total with four regular-season matches to go. Gryder said the team’s postseason success will be contingent on its ability to finish games; Tuscarora has played three overtime matches this season, recording two draws and one defeat.

“You have to play with that desire to finish,” he said.

1. Madison (10-0-1) Last ranked: 1

The Warhawks received goals from Adrianna Daly and Elsa Sontheimer in a 2-0 win over Westfield.

2. Yorktown (12-1-1) LR: 3

After entering overtime knotted at 0-0, the Patriots’ offense caught fire and the team earned a 3-0 win over Herndon.

3. Briar Woods (9-0-2) LR: 4

After squeaking out a 3-2 win over Freedom, the Falcons returned to their dominant ways with a 4-0 victory over Stone Bridge.

4. Patriot (13-0) LR: 5

The Pioneers flexed their scoring muscles in 8-0 wins over Stonewall Jackson and Osbourn.

5. Battlefield (10-2) LR: 8

The Bobcats’ 3-1 win over Chantilly served as a tremendous confidence booster, and the team handed Osbourn Park a 7-0 loss the following night.

6. Chantilly (7-2-2) LR: 2

Still playing without multiple starters, the Chargers came up short against Battlefield.

7. Tuscarora (9-1-2) LR: 6

The Huskies played Stone Bridge to a draw for the second time this season, then beat John Champe, 3-1.

8. W.T. Woodson (6-0-3) LR: 7

The Cavaliers beat West Springfield, 2-0, in their third shutout victory of the season.

9. T.C. Williams (11-1) LR: 9

In yet another dominant performance, the Titans received a pair of goals each from Claire Constant and Bella Ponzi in a 7-0 win over Annandale.

10. Oakton (7-3-2) LR: 10

In beating Fairfax and Centreville, the Cougars won consecutive games for the first time since mid-March.

Dropped out: None

On the bubble: Potomac Falls (11-1-2)