And then there were 8! The NCHSAA girl’s tournaments have reached the quarter finals stage
Round Three Prediction Results:
14-2
1/2/3A
Union Pines continues to dominate the field
Matchups
Union Pines vs Swansboro
Two high-powered offenses collide in this quarter-final match-up. The two share a lot of common opponents with the differentiator being that Swansboro lost to Croatan and UP won, handily. This game will probably come down to goal keepers Isabelle Bonillo [UP] and Kirra DiFabrizio [Swansboro] and who stands tall against the opponents shooters.
Winner: Union Pines
Croatan vs First Flight
A month ago the Nighthawks doubled up the Cougars 10-5. In that game the Cougar’s senior goaltender, Devan Maready, had 15 saves. If the Knighthawks dominate the shots on goal, again, the Cougars may need an even bigger performance if they want to upset First Flight and move on to the semi-finals.
Winner: First Flight in a much closer game than the first go around
Bishop McGuinness vs Lake Norman Charter
The Knights have a tall task to slow down Villians junior tandem of Ella Suire (75G/37A) and Kathleen Dennen (67G/18A). LNC is tested against a much tougher schedule than McGuinness and that could pay dividends. They also have their own pair of offensive threats in Freshman Hayden Krombolz (59G/13A) and Junior Ava Purser (52G/18A).
Pine Lake Prep vs Community School of Davidson
These two conference foes have played twice already this year with CSD taking both games. These two teams are pretty even. The difference maker may be CSD’s Grace Maddox (77pts) and if she’s able to get the Spartans’ offense rolling.
Winner: Community School of Davidson
Final Four prediction
East
Union Pines vs First Flight
West
Bishop McGuinness vs Community School of Davidson
4A
Friendship finally got over on Holly Springs and earned a dance with Cardinal Gibbons; who absolutely dominated Wake Forest. In the west Cuthbertson gave Weddington a run for their money and Marvin Ridge took down West Forsyth.
Matchups
Weddington vs Myers Park
This game has one big, key factor: can the Mustangs slow down Duke commit Elektra Koulouris (55G/16A)? A big part of that will be Jr. goaltender Emerson Sule (300 career saves), Sr. midfielder Mille Rush (W&L, 55G/13A), and Jr. attacker Harper Ayers (41G/40A).
Winner: Weddington in a tight game
Marvin Ridge vs Charlotte Catholic
The Cougars squeaked by the Mavericks back in March, winning 14-13 in double OT! Both teams have been on a tear the last couple of weeks and this certainly looks like it will be a barn-burner. Senior midfielder Brooke Lattanzi leads Marvin Ridge with 97 points and Sophomore Ella Braun has 80. Charlotte Catholic is lead by conference player of the year MC Farley [no stats available].
Winner: Charlotte Catholic in another OT thriller
Cardinal Gibbons vs Apex Friendship
Friendship finally got over the Holly Springs hump and took down the rival Golden Hawks 14-10 to earn their spot in the quarter finals. They are going to need to harness that energy again and play a great game Friday night.
Cardinal Gibbons dismantled the Wake Forest Cougars 24-1 in round 3. The Crusaders dominated play limiting time of possession and scoring the first 16 goals of the contest. Proving the green and gold are an elite team that probably pulls a lot punches in the regular season.
Winner: Gibbons rolls again on their way to the semi-finals
Chapel Hill vs Topsail
It’s a rematch! Last year the Pirate tamed the Tigers (12-10) in these same quarterfinals! Something is going to have to give in this one. Both teams average over 16GPG and give up around 4GPG. My bet is on the scoring as two 100-goal scorers, Lillian Austin [Topsail] and Scarlett Gilner [Chapel Hill], look to lead their teams to victory.
Winner: Sticking with my prediction at the start of the tournament and Chapel Hill gets revenge.
Final Four prediction
East
Cardinal Gibbons vs Chapel Hill
West
Weddington vs Charlotte Catholic