By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With goals by five different players on April 18, Watauga women’s soccer took full advantage of Alexander Central, defeating the Cougars, 5-0.
The Pioneers got goals from Georgia Parker, Kate Sears, Katie Durham, Savannah Duvall, and Maya Nelson, all with assists recorded by Nelson, Morgan Flynt, Charlotte Cuthbert, and Parker. For Duvall, it was a major milestone evening: her first career goal on the Pioneer varsity.
“We started the game slowly, maybe a little sluggish after the Spring Break,” said Watauga head coach Chris Tarnowski, “but we ended well and that’s really what matters. The last 20 minutes of the game really felt like we were getting back up to speed, connecting and communicating with one another, and that’s encouraging. Our players responded well and trusted one another on the field, which ultimately led to their success. We’re proud of them and proud of our leaders.”
At halftime, with the Pioneers leading, 2-0, Tarnowski told the players that they looked “a little rusty” after the time off for Spring Break. He encouraged them to trust one another and get back to the quick, one-touch short passing strategy that has made them so successful in the past, with less dribbling. He also instructed them to play more physical, knowing full well that Alexander Central would be trying to dribble up the outside, on the wings.
Now 7-2 overall, 3-0 in Northwestern Conference play, Watauga next faces Hibriten in Lenoir on April 21.
