Manteo High advances in playoffs, while First Flight drops heartbreaker

By Outer Banks Voice on May 19, 2023

Sophomore Abbi Calvio (#1) scored Manteo’s 2nd goal Thursday. (Photos by Michael Brisson/Left Field Photography)

Manteo celebrates following one of their goals during the playoff. (Photos by Michael Brisson/Left Field Photography)

Mid-Fielder Abby Ortega (#16) advances the ball in NCSSM territory. (Photos by Michael Brisson/Left Field Photography)

Lizzie Mantz (#11) tries to settle the ball during play Thursday. (Photos by Michael Brisson/Left Field Photography)

Right Fullback Mya Kelly (#15) races to beat her opponent. (Photos by Michael Brisson/Left Field Photography)

 

By Michael Brisson/Left Field Photography and Taylor Newton

The Manteo High School women’s soccer team stretched its unbeaten season record to 21-0-2 and advanced to the third-round of the 2A State Championship Tournament with a 3-0 win over the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) at home on May 18. Thus far, the team has not yielded a goal in its two playoff wins.

During the regular season, the mission for the team was to score early and often. Thursday’s second-round playoff match had a familiar start, but it would prove to be more of a challenge.

Center forward Kiley Eckard made her presence known early, scoring Manteo’s opening goal, but the NCSSM defense tightened as their goalkeeper Savannah Sullivan made some spectacular saves.  Manteo dominated ball possession, but only led 1-0 at halftime.

Manteo worked tirelessly creating more scoring opportunities in the second half.  Mid-fielder Abbi Calvio booted a shot across the field over the outstretched arms of Sullivan at the 25:00 mark. Winger CC Lowe bent one in from the right side shortly thereafter.

The Manteo women’s team will play their third-round contest at home on Monday, May 22 at 6 p.m. against East Carteret.

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Western Alamance junior Jayden Tapia (18) attempts to stop a pass to the box from First Flight sophomore Summer Stevens. (Photos by Taylor Newton)

First Flight freshman Tori Vanacore (left) celebrates alongside freshman Leighton Dutt after scoring a goal at the beginning of the second half. (Photos by Taylor Newton)

First Flight sophomore Mackenzie McAvoy plays a through ball upfield against Western Alamance. (Photos by Taylor Newton)

First Flight sophomore Skylar Wood (4) competes against Western Alamance junior Trinity Robinson for possession of the ball. (Photos by Taylor Newton)

First Flight senior Chloe Wienert (green) leaps through the air to stop a scoring opportunity from a corner kick. (Photos by Taylor Newton)

Western Alamace celebrates after winning the second round of state playoffs against First Flight High School. (Photos by Taylor Newton)

 

The First Flight High School women’s soccer team ended its strong season in heartbreaking fashion, dropping its second-round 3A tournament game by losing a penalty-kick shootout to Western Alamance at home on May 18. The regular game ended in a 1-1 tie, leading into two, 10-minute overtime halves, then into two, five-minute sudden elimination halves. Neither team scored during these periods, leading into the penalty kick shootout, with Western Alamance won 4-2. The team’s goal came from Tori Vanacore.

First Flight ended up amassing a terrific 18-4-1 record in a season to be proud of.

SEE ALSO: Manteo, First Flight women’s soccer teams advance in first-round of State Championships

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