The Lady Highlanders started off slow against Cherokee on Thursday at home with only 1-0 on the board in the first 20 min, but once Highlands got into their groove they began dropping bombs into the back of the net ending with a 9-0 final.
Highlands had a lot to celebrate throughout the 9-0 win over Cherokee at home on Thursday. Pictured above the team descends upon Highlands Rebekah Wiggins after she put one in the back of the net.
“After the first 20 minutes they sped it up and had 4-0 by the end of the first half,” said Highlands Head Coach Jeff Weller. “Then they just ran away with it.”
Highlands girls varsity soccer team gathered on the field during Senior Night last Thursday. The first game of Regionals is tonight at 6 p.m. at home against Elkin.
The victory was bitter sweet as Highlands said goodbye to seniors Betty Garcia and Grace Crowe at what was potentially the last home game of their high school-soccer career.
Weller said both were leaders on and off the field in different ways. He said Garcia is commonly known as the team mom.
“She’s the mom for this team and any other teams she’s on,” said Weller. “She’s that way for everybody. It’s who she is, she’s there for the girls on and off the field.”
Highlands Betty Garcia brings the ball up the field dead set on scoring and drills it into the goal.
Garcia made her presence known on the field on Thursday raining shots down on Cherokee’s goalie consistently throughout the second half. After the game, Garcia looked back on her four years playing as a Lady Highlander and said it was bittersweet.
“It’s been incredible,” she said. “We had a bunch of new players this year and we all became a family. We look after each other, they’re part of your everyday life; it’s such an honor to play here.”
Garcia added playing for Highlands has shaped her into the person she is today.
“I wouldn’t be the same person without the people in this wonderful small town,” she said.
It was an emotional evening for the Lady Highlanders as Highlands Grace Crowe played her potentially last-home game as team manager and teammates and coaching staff celebrated her soccer career.
Crowe started as the team’s goalie for three years but was unable to play her senior year because of a miscommunication of player requirements. That being the case, Crowe decided to take on the role of team manager and support her teammates as best she could.
“It was fun looking at it from a different perspective,” said Crowe. “It helps me see where I can help most because I’ve been there, and now I can be there for them. But I really miss playing.”
Highlands next plays at 6 p.m. at home on Tuesday against Elkin in the first game of Regionals.
Highlands Chela Green was instrumental in the midfield moving the ball up and crossing to the strikers who chalked up goal after goal.
Highlands Anne Marie Moore cranks the ball upfield against Cherokee on Thursday.
Highlands Sayla Roman slips a pass by a Cherokee player at home.
Highlands Zaia Rodriguez-Denardis passes a Cherokee player at home on Thursday.
Highlands Julia May Schmitt dishes the ball off before Cherokee can move in.
Highlands Alyson Dayton shares a joke with a Cherokee player.
Amy Council maintains her cool (sort of) saying goodbye to senior Betty Garcia.
Highlands Jeslyn Head (far right) bum-rushes Rebekah Wiggins in celebration after Wiggins scored a goal.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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