After a strong defensive performance by both teams in regulation and overtime, Pinecrest lost to Heritage in the Women’s Soccer State Championship in a penalty kick shootout.
The Huskies pushed forward in the 53rd minute with Raegan Meyer burying a chance in the box, to put Heritage up 1-0 with 27 minutes remaining in the game.
Pinecrest’s Madi Pry responded with a beautiful free kick goal right outside the far left of the box in the 56th minute to tie the match 1-1. Both teams had several opportunities on goal during the second half but were unable to capitalize in regulation.
In the first round of penalty kicks, Jessica Cannon of the Huskies missed off the post, while Keeley Copper of the Patriots squeaked her goal into the bottom right corner. Fain Buete and Hayley Boyles of Heritage both drilled their attempts in the second and third round. Pinecrest’s Madi Pry and Lauren Landry missed the mark on each of their attempts.
In the fourth round of penalty kicks, both Braelyn Francher of Heritage and Parker Mecimore of Pinecrest put the ball past the goalies for a score. Finally, Bri Holt of the Huskies ended the game, scoring with a shot to the back left of the net that lifted the Huskies to a 4-2 victory in penalty kicks.
Pinecrest finished the season 26-1-1 and 14-0 in the Sandhills 4A Conference. The Patriots made the school’s first appearance in an NCHSAA Women’s Soccer State Championship Game.
Photo of Pinecrest Women’s Soccer Team taken in April by Sandhills Sentinel Sport Photographer John Patota.
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