Alison Stearns (DavidsonNews.net file photo)

By DENNY SEITZ
DavidsonNews.net

Alison Stearns scored one goal and assisted on another to help W.A. Hough High claim a 2-1 victory over TC Roberson in a third-round N.C. 4A girls’ soccer playoff in Asheville Wednesday night.

Stearns, a senior headed to UNC Wilmington on a soccer scholarship, scored what proved to be the game-winner with 5:05 left in the first half after a pass from Sarah Moon.

Hannah Robinson had tied the game at the 19:29 mark of the first half, helping the Huskies erase a 1-0 deficit that marked the first time the team had trailed in a game in nearly two months.

“They stayed very composed,” assistant coach Mike Kutcher said, moments after the Huskies improved to 23-0-1 on the season. “Of course, the coaches were a little worried they might get rattled, but that didn’t happen at all. They handled it well.”

The Huskies found themselves behind 1-0 just two minutes into the game after a misplayed ball ended up in the net as an own goal against the Huskies.

Kutcher said the Huskies dominated most of the game, though, and that a 3½ hour bus trip likely contributed to the early-game rustiness that wore off quickly after the early deficit.

“Overall, we dominated possession,” Kutcher said. “We just didn’t finish the way we usually do. Their keeper did a good job of keeping them in the game.”

FACE LAKE NORMAN FRIDAY

The Huskies, in just their second season of varsity competition, are three games from a state championship, and continue their quest on Friday, May 18, at home against arch rival Lake Norman, which is 22-2, with both losses coming at the hands of the Huskies.

Lake Norman beat A.C. Reynolds Wednesday night, 2-0.

DOWNLOAD the Division 4A playoff bracket at NCHSAA.org.

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