Highlands girls varsity soccer team won a rough and tumble home game against Blue Ridge Early College on Wednesday with a final of 2-0.
Highlands Ryan Talbert and Ashley Alvarez go for the ball in Highlands on Wednesday. Highlands won 2-0.
It was physical on both sides of the isle and the last time these two rivals faced each other Highlands walked away with a 4-0 victory. Highlands Head Coach Jeff Weller said they should have put more numbers on the board, but the team had trouble finishing.
“Just timing and finishing,” said Weller. “We created a lot of chances and just couldn’t capitalize. We are one step further in at least getting to the point of creating those opportunities.”
BREC Maddy Potts goes down playing against Highlands. Even though the sun was shining the field was wet.
He added that they didn’t spread out BREC’s defense that could have led to more scoring opportunities but said the Lady Highlanders did what they needed to do.
“They got the job done and I’m proud of the girls,” he said. “They played hard. If they could have capitalized on even 20% of their opportunities the score would have been very different. But, as I said, the job is to get the win and they did that. They controlled the game for the majority of the time.”
BREC Kaitlyn Stewart brings the ball across the middle of the field on Wednesday in Highlands.
BREC Head Coach Nick Pressler said the Lady Bobcats just weren’t focused, especially during the first half and had trouble putting it in the back of the net.
“We’re having trouble scoring,” said Pressler. “I’ve been saying it all week, you can’t win if you don’t take shots on goal. But we’re getting there. We’re going to work on it, and for a first-year program I’m proud of them.”
Highlands Reese Schmitt puts the pressure on BREC Angelica Ambrosio on Wednesday.
Highlands Reese Schmitt said they did well but need to work on some things.
“I think we did pretty good, but we’re not playing as a team and were touching the ball too many times before the shot,” said Schmitt. “Plus, it was pretty physical with a lot of shoving out there, but that’s the norm.”
BREC Ashley Alvarez and Highlands Hayley Borino as Borino makes her way out of the box to clear the ball.
Highlands Hayley Borino felt they did well and agreed it was a physical game.
“I think we did good,” said Borino. “We talked a lot and kept our communication up. It’s always physical, but that makes it more fun, I like it.”
BREC Charlotte Sherrill makes a save as Highlands Reese Schmitt was trying to put one in the back of the net.
BREC keeper Charlotte Sherrill said she sees improvement in her team each game and said they did well playing on the road against their rival.
“The defense held themselves pretty well, but we need someone to put it in the goal,” said Sherrill. “We need to work on our footwork and scoring, but we are improving.”
Highlands Anne Marie Moore takes the ball up the field under pressure by BREC Maddy Potts.
Highlands Madi Drummonds said they missed out on a lot of opportunities they should have capitalized on.
“We could have done better; better passing, communication, you name it,” said Drummonds. “Our defense held up well, but as for our offense it was an unlucky night of shooting.”
BREC Holly Foss clears the ball under pressure from highlands Ryan Talbert.
Highlands next plays at 6 p.m. at home on April 22 against Hayesville.
BREC next plays at 4: 30 p.m. at home on April 15 against Tri-County Early College.
Highlands Chela Green looks for the steal against BREC Gracie Watson who’s not about to hand it over.
Highlands Kaitlyn Doerter heads the ball against BREC on Wednesday.
BREC Devon Heenan kicks the ball up field as Highlands Julia May Schmitt flies in going for the block.
Highlands Kedra McCall puts one in the back of the net on Wednesday against BREC.
Highlands Chela Green tries to center the ball with BREC Angelica Ambrosio on D.
Pictured at the top of the article from left are BREC Jazi Ferrin and Highlands Chela Green after a collision close to BREC’s goal.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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