The Lady Avalanche took the challenge to heart and played with intensity from whistle to whistle, winning 3-0. Watauga’s Kendyl Baird had a hand in all three goals. She scored the first goal in the 12th minute of the first half, with an assist by Ashe County’s Kebrina Keys. In the 31st minute, the Avalanche scored again; this time Baird assisted on the goal scored by Avery High School’s (AHS) Mary Chesnut Smith.
Early in the second half, Baird scored her second goal of the game. Smith sent a corner kick into the front of the goal where Keys was able to pop it up and Baird jumped, took the ball in the air and placed it behind the keeper for the third and final goal of the game.
In taking care of business this weekend, the defense had to be solid and they were, making sure the Coastal Crew forwards were marked and backing each other up when necessary. With Watauga keeper Emily Haas playing the entire game, Wilkes’ Caitlin Curley, who normally splits duties with Haas, could contribute on the field. Several of the team were injured or had commitments which kept them from traveling to Wilmington.
The back line was anchored by AHS senior Emily Banner and Watauga’s Samantha Byrd. Watauga’s Katelyn Mullenix and Molly Wells handled the outside back duties, and Alana Patterson rotated in on the back line as well. Bethany Miller and Jeanette Vines (Watauga) took care of the center of the field, relieved occasionally by Mullenix and Curley. The starting striker and forwards were Skylar Hicks and Baird, Keys and Smith.
The Lady Avalanche play the TESC Elite Red of the Triad Elite Soccer Club on Saturday, November 13 at the Wilson Gillette Soccer Park.
