By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Back to a full roster and playing for a cause, Watauga High School’s women’s lacrosse team was infused with energy on March 21 on the Leigh Cooper Wallace athletic field at Watauga High School. The Pioneers dominated possession on their way to a decisive, 12-3 win over visiting Patton (Morganton).
It was a special day for the Watauga team, playing under the banner of “Stick it to Cancer,” a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Pioneer head coach Hannah Bateman told reporters afterward that playing for the cancer research cause added something extra for the team’s performance. Plus, this was the first game back to having a full roster and not having to try different people at the goalkeeper position.
Attack player Juna Gersonde had a big day in the field, converting four of six shots on goal into tallies for the Pioneers. Midfielder teammate Aidan Stroud added three goals and an assist, while Lilly Farley came off the bench to punch in three goals.
While the Pioneer defense was stingy in allowing Patton to threaten offensively much less score, goalkeeper Jiada Ballard turned away three Patton shot attempts for saves.
Now 2-5 overall and in conference, Watauga next hosts Asheville on March 26, then travels to Hickory on April 9.
