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Jags topple Tornadoes
GASTONIA - In a physical matchup that featured three yellow cards and a player literally being carried off the field, the Forestview Jaguars survived the Hickory Tornadoes 2-1 in the second round of the NCHSAA state playoffs on Saturday.
After a bruising but scoreless first half, Forestview jumped out to a two-goal lead after freshman Allison Rodriguez and Kelsey Harris scored goals within three minutes of each other early in the first half.
After that, the Jags turned up the defensive intensity, keeping Hickory off the board until Karsyn Jarrett scored a goal 26:27 into the second half.
Forestview's defense was stout despite the absence of starter Jessica Holder, who broke her ankle in Wednesday's victory over Tuscola. Holder was replaced in the line-up by Cristy VanBeek, who normally plays offense for the Jags.
"There were big shoes to fill, but the girls who played were terrific," said Forestview coach Sam Braxton.
Braxton said his team moved the ball pretty well in the first half despite not scoring, but it continues an ominous trend for Forestview - Saturday marked the third consecutive game in which the Jags have not scored in the first half. However, they have also not allowed a first-half goal in those games, either.
Hickory head coach Bobby Dettelbach said his players simply did not execute when given the opportunity.
"We had some chances, and we didn't finish." said Dettelbach. "We didn't capitalize and they did. End of story."
Harris not only scored a goal but assisted on the goal by Rodriquez. Forestview (16-4-2) will play host to a rematch with T.C. Roberson(25-0), who is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, on Wednesday night. T.C. Roberson won the last contest over Forestview, 3-0.
The Tornadoes finish the season with a 20-3-1 overall record.
