By David Rogers. HICKORY, N.C. — Senior forward Katie Durham scored one of her three goals in the opening minute at St. Stephens on Feb. 26, jumpstarting Watauga to 5-1 decision over the host Indians.
After the Pioneers’ junior varsity defeated their St. Stephens counterparts, 5-0, in the afternoon curtain raiser, it was the Watauga varsity’s turn to perform in the 2024 season’s opening match. After Durham’s early goal, the Indians struck back to tie the closely contested affair with a goal of their own with under a minute left in the first half.
“Coming out of the half,” noted Watauga head coach Chris Tarnowski afterwards, “we scored two quick goal — both within the opening minute of the second half. As the half progressed, we were able to keep the ball moving and kept our intensity high. In short, we cut out St. Stephens’ offensive threats quickly.
“Our team showed great character and cohesion to open the season against a historically competitive Saint Stephens team. Dating back several years now, we have a rich, friendly rivalry history with St.Stephens, going back to when we were both members of the Northwestern Conference,” said Tarnowski. “Since then, we have always scheduled each other early in the season.”
Explaining why they enjoy playing St. Stephens, Tarnowski had high praise for the Indians’ program.
“They are a great team, well coached, and always physical,” he said. “Today, our players were able to identify how they wanted to attack us, even analyzing the Saint game plan early. That allowed us to make some second half adjustments to turn the momentum in our favor. It’s a great testament to our senior leaders that they have been able to create a cohesive group with a common goal so early in the season. We’re really proud of their maturity and leadership, which makes us very excited for the season.”
The Pioneers will next test their skills down the mountain at Wilkes Central, with the varsity set to kick off at 6 p.m. on March 5 before hosting East Forsyth in Jack Groce Stadium for their home opener, also with a 6 p.m. varsity kickoff.
Against St. Stephens, Watauga goals by:
- Katie Durham (3)
- Morgan Flynt
- Charlotte Cuthbert
Assists by:
- Katie Durham
- Mattie Durham
- Morgan Flynt
- Georgia Parker
