SALISBURY – The high school sports season kicked off with thrilling soccer and softball action as teams across the region showcased their talent and determination. Salisbury’s girls’ soccer team staged an impressive comeback to secure a 3-2 victory against East Rowan in a non-conference matchup on Monday.
Salisbury Girls’ Soccer Triumphs Over East Rowan
East Rowan took an early lead with goals from Kailin Bomley and Lelu Hill, putting the Mustangs ahead 1-0 and 2-1 in the first half. However, Salisbury’s resilience shone through after halftime, as they shut out East Rowan and netted two crucial goals to claim the win.
The Hornets’ offense was led by Maddie Crabb, Stephany Quintero, and senior captain Addie Griffith, who scored the game-winner. Freshman Anna Kate Goodman, despite battling illness, provided critical assists on the final two goals. Senior Danna Nunez Sanchez made a strong return to the team after last playing as a sophomore, while Lola Koontz emerged as a defensive anchor for Salisbury.
“We had a comparatively small team last year,” Salisbury head coach Matt Parrish stated. “We lost a third of that team to graduation and transfers. With only about five practices due to bad weather, tonight’s game was more about guts and heart than precision. Both teams worked hard, and despite injuries and illness, our girls gave their all.”
Salisbury will face Gray Stone on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Rowan Cup Soccer Tournament Underway
CHINA GROVE – While Salisbury and East Rowan are not part of the Rowan Cup, the tournament hosted by Carson High School is off to an exciting start. Fourth-seeded Carson dominated North Rowan in a 9-0 shutout during Monday’s play-in game to advance to the semifinals.
Caylee Miracco led the Cougars with a hat trick, while Jasmin Escobar-Leiva and Allie Martin each scored twice. Lexlyth Sotelo and Giselle Perez Alvarez added a goal apiece. The tournament semifinals will take place on Tuesday:
- South Rowan vs. West Rowan at 5:30 p.m.
- Carson vs. A.L. Brown at 7 p.m.
A.L. Brown enters the competition as the defending champions and top seed.
High School Football Recruiting Updates
North Rowan quarterback and linebacker Jeremiah Alford has committed to Catawba College. Meanwhile, Salisbury edge rusher Keial Matthews has received an offer from Greensboro College.
Salisbury Softball Dominates Trinity in Season Opener
SALISBURY – The Salisbury softball team opened their season with a commanding 22-7 victory over Trinity in a three-inning game. The Hornets exploded for nine runs in the first inning, followed by seven in the second and six in the third.
Allie Peeler and Ashley Yang each delivered inside-the-park home runs, contributing to the Hornets’ offensive onslaught. Peeler posted an impressive 4-for-4 performance with three RBIs and four runs scored, while Yang also crossed the plate four times. Addie Myers recorded three hits, and Tijah Sims added two. Myers, Layla Miller, and Teashia Ellis each scored three times. Yang also pitched a winning game.
South Rowan Secures Victory Over West Davidson
TYRO – South Rowan’s softball team clinched a 4-2 victory against West Davidson in their first game under new head coach Shane Stewart. A three-run fifth inning proved decisive for the Raiders.
Remi Haggerty pitched a complete game, allowing only seven hits. Cressley Patterson drove in two runs, while Leisha Carter contributed two hits and an RBI. Carter and Danica Krieg each recorded doubles. Carlie Moretz homered for the Green Dragons.
Carson Crushes Statesville in Non-Conference Matchup
STATESVILLE – Carson delivered a dominant 16-1 win against Statesville in a three-inning non-conference game. The Cougars erupted for nine runs in the first inning, tallying ten hits while benefiting from nine walks and eight hit-by-pitch calls.
Madison Clark secured the win on the mound and contributed two RBIs. Freshman Leah Troutman had a perfect 3-for-3 night at the plate with two RBIs. Clark, Emma Woodlief, and Abigail Harrelson each scored twice.
West Rowan’s Jimmy Greene to Coach in State Games
MOUNT ULLA – West Rowan head coach Jimmy Greene has been selected to lead the Region 4 team in the State Games, set to take place at UNC Greensboro on June 24-25. Greene, a respected figure in high school sports, will guide some of the state’s top talent in the annual showcase event.
For more updates on high school sports, visit News Xpress Online. Stay tuned for scores, highlights, and interviews from around the region.
