Jaguars, Green Wave win big in first round

GASTONIA — Ashbrook and Forestview will square off tonight at 8 in the second round of the Gazette Cup. Forestview advanced with a 5-0 shutout over Highland Tech, and Ashbrook won it’s game over Hunter Huss with a 5-0 score as well.

“We always enjoy playing Ashbrook. I hope we’re ready to play, playing game after game, because I know Ashbrook will be,” said Forestview Head Coach Sam Braxton.

Ashbrook Head Coach Nan Kirlin said, “Forestview always gives us a game. It will be a good match, considering we’ll both have had back-to-back games.”

Ashbrook could be forced to go without their lone senior, Sarah Geyer. Geyer sustained a lower leg injury early in last night’s game and never returned. She will be getting x-rayed today, said Kirlin.

Forestview 5, Highland Tech 0

Evan Martin scored two goals and added one assist to lead Forestview. Jessica Holder, Kate Fitzmaurice and Mary Leslie Miller each added a goal. Miller and freshman Allison Rodriquez also added two assists and Martin recorded one as well.

“We knew without Jen (Jennifer Helm), that they would have to step up,” said Braxton.

Forestview showed its class for their first game without Helm, who graduated last year with 78 career goals. However, it took them a while to find their groove as they scored only two goals in the first half.

“Highland had a lot of defensive pressure. It took us a while to score,” said Braxton.

Ashbrook 5, Hunter Huss 0

Freshman Brooke Kearney came to play in her first game for Ashbrook. Kearney led the Green Wave with a hat trick, two of which came early in the match and put Hunter Huss in a hole quickly.

“She (Kearney) was untested for us, we knew she was a great club player. It’s a nice addition to the team,” said Kirlin. “It’s the first game of the season. It’s nice to see what we’ve been able to put together, and it was nice to see them work together as a team.”

Victoria Demello and last year’s Mike McCurray Award winner Olivia Belk added a goal each for Ashbrook.

East Gaston 4, North Gaston 0

Kylie Payne scored two goals, and Mara Teague and Mandy Ross each added one for East Gaston in their 4-0 victory over North Gaston. All four of the goals came after halftime for the Warriors.

“In the first half we were lax and unfocused. We never really got to the point where we need to be,” said East Gaston Head Coach Josh Allen. East Gaston will play Highland Tech at 2 p.m. at Ashbrook High School. North Gaston will play Hunter Huss at noon.