Staff report
STATESVILLE — West Rowan stepped into the driver’s seat of the NPC Wednesday night with a 2-1 win at Statesville.
The Falcons broke into the scoring column at the 24:55 mark of the second half when Toni Lucente drove the ball into the right corner, crossing a pass to Brittany Gibbons in front of the goal. Gibbons placed the ball out of the keeper’s reach into the corner of the net.
The Falcons struck again from 25 yards out at the 11:45 mark on a free kick shot by Lucente that caught the Greyhounds watching. Statesville scored its only goal on a deflection of a corner kick with less than four minutes to play.
West Rowan maintained control of the game throughout by stellar midfield play by Allison Baucom and Mary McCachren, along with steady defensive work by Allison Parker.
The Falcons came out strong early with aggressive play, but repeated shots by strikers Lucente and Rachel Brown were thwarted.
The teams remained in a scoreless tie at the half.
Falcons Coach Nick Brown was pleased with his team’s effort and attacking style.
“I’m very happy for the girls tonight” he stated following the contest. “This is a game that they have been talking about for a while. Beating a top team in the state is great. Their keeper made some great saves but we kept going at her. Our keeper made some good saves to keep us in it. Our leaders led by example tonight and everyone stepped up. I’m very proud of the effort we got out of everyone.”
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NOTES: West will travel to Carson on Thursday to play a game rescheduled from earlier in the week.