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By Guest Columnist Jim Asher
ZEBULON - On Friday, May 4th, the Pike County Lady Pirates hosted the Lady Gamecocks from Screven County in the 1st Round of the State AA Soccer Playoffs, running away with an 8-0 victory and a trip to the Sweet 16.
In a season that has seen the Lady Pirates hit tremendous highs and agonizing lows, the start of the playoffs was a much needed shot in the arm. Despite missing out on a third straight Region title, Pike County came into the game full of confidence and the desire to show everyone what they are truly made of. From the very first touch, the Lady Pirates controlled the pace and possession, putting Screven County into a hole that they could not get out of. Just minutes into the game, Junior Jessi Johnson, the team’s leading scorer, set the tone as she tallied the first goal of the evening and what followed was a clinic in Pike County soccer and proof of how this young group has come together this year. Throughout the season, the Lady Pirates have looked to veteran players and newcomers alike to find a way to get the ball into the net. On Friday, that trend continued as Johnson’s opening score was quickly followed by a strike from Freshman Bailey Rawlins to make the score 2-0. As Pike County continued to push the possession into the Screven County defensive third, Johnson struck again to add to the lead and, as the clock moved towards half time, Freshman Abbey Thompson, the leading Freshman scorer, added to her impressive season with a goal of her own, making the half time score 4-0.
In the second half, the Lady Pirates picked up where they had left off and quickly added to the score with a strike from Junior Elizabeth Woodall, the first of three that she would put away on the evening. Following the first goal, Woodall continued to pick apart the Screven County defense as she quickly added her second and third goals, making the score 7-0. With time winding down, Thompson finished out the scoring with her second strike of the evening off a corner kick from the team leader in assists, Freshman Ashley York. The win, which was the first playoff win for 11 of the 18 team members, ensured that the Lady Pirates will once again finish the season with at least 10 wins.
The 1st round victory Friday night sets up what is arguably the most difficult match of the season for the Lady Pirates. On Wednesday, May 9th, Pike County will travel to Roswell to play the Blessed Trinity Lady Titans, who are currently ranked #1 in Class AA and are also the defending State Champions, with kick off set for 5:30 pm.