The W.A. Hough High girls' soccer team poses for a picture with their trophy and banner. (Christina Ritchie Rogers / DavidsonNews.net)

By CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS
DavidsonNews.net

For W.A. Hough High School girls’ soccer team co-captain Hannah Robinson, being the underdogs going into the State Championships was motivating – not intimidating.

“It’s almost a more fun way to play,” she said, “because you have nothing to lose.”

The team, ranked No. 2 in the nation and undefeated going into the championships May 26, faced the No. 1 high school team in the nation, the undefeated Green Hope High School Falcons. And the Falcons were favored to win.

In the locker room before the game, Hannah and her co-captains knew they needed to step up, be leaders, and show the team they weren’t nervous, she said.

“We told them it’s the end of the year, so give it all you’ve got,” Hannah said.

And that they did, winning the game 2-1 – a win that earned them the state championship as well as the title of Powerade/ESPN FAB 50 National Champions. They gathered at Cornelius Town Hall Monday for the recognition. Read the full story and see more PHOTOS, on SPORTS >>