By Outer Banks Voice on May 19, 2023
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.
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