Saturday, May 17, 2008

Wildcats shine in pressure situation

Lake Norman's girls soccer team is one victory away from playing for the first state championship in the program's six-year history.

The Wildcats defeated Marvin Ridge in Saturday's 3A state quarterfinals thanks to a 3-1 advantage in penalty kicks. The teams battled to a scoreless draw in regulation. No one scratched in the two 10-minute overtimes or two five-minute sudden death periods either.

Shootouts are usually intense (this one was no different). There is pressure on the goalies to make saves, but the shooters face a lot of pressure, too. No one wants to be remembered for missing the entire net, trust me.

Lake Norman goalkeeper Mollie Zimmer set the tone with a magnificent diving save on Marvin Ridge's first PK.

Lauren Vawter buried Lake Norman's first attempt.

The Wildcats made two of their next three kicks, while the Mavericks missed two of their next three -- one shot went too high and another clanked off the crossbar.

It had to be demoralizing for previously unbeaten Marvin Ridge (20-1-1), which outplayed Lake Norman (24-1-1) most of the game and had a goal disallowed in the 77th minute on an offside call.

I admire the Wildcats' ability to hang in there and find a way to get the job done.

No comments: