Here's how South Point girls soccer continued its title pursuit at expense of rival Stuart Cramer
BELMONT — Before returning to the South Point sideline for a final word Thursday with coach Chris Baity, there was a particular matter for standouts Caitlyn Federation, Grace Smith, Jordan Villemagne and others to tend to.
Heartbreak painted on the face of Stuart Cramer's Aubree Baker, the group huddled around the Storm senior to share hugs, shed tears and offer kind words to a dear friend.
“Obviously, there is nothing easy about the playoffs. Everyone is good at this point,” said Villemagne, a South Point senior forward. “It really hits home when you’re playing people on the other side you know, grew up with and in some cases played with. Everyone knows that if you lose, you go home.”
Family, friends or otherwise, the South Point girls soccer team has no intention of letting anyone derail their pursuit of an elusive state title.
The Lady Raiders scored early and often Thursday in Belmont, downing rival Stuart Cramer 6-0 in a 3A West second round playoff matchup.
Smith scored twice for South Point, while Villemagne, Jesson Cadiang, Madison Dudley and Jenna Feduniec netted goals of their own. According to Baity, his team’s primary goal was to make Stuart Cramer uncomfortable from the outset.
“We wanted to make sure they were having to make decisions on the fly, and we were dictating what was going on in the field,” he said. “Our girls did a marvelous job, especially in the midfield. It shows their hard work, determination, and that’s why we’re here.”
With the win, South Point moves to 21-0. The Lady Raiders have allowed a mere five goals all season.
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For all its success,a 4-0 loss to Lake Norman Charter last spring in the regional final round has served as a catalyst for the Lady Raiders’ current run.
“Last year, it was the last time I got to play with my sister, so obviously that season was really special,” she said. “We came so close. This year, it’s our time; hopefully we can finally win state. We’re working and doing our best to make sure we make that happen.”
Lake Norman Charter and South Point could again cross paths this postseason. The Lady Raiders have their own business to handle before a potential clash in the 3A West final, however, hosting No. 7 Atkins in a 3A West quarterfinal matchup Monday.
“We only lost three seniors from last year’s team. This team has been through the playoffs, they know what’s going on, they know how hard they have to work in practice to put their skills on display come game day.”
Five players have scored in double figures for South Point this season, led by Smith’s 40 goals. Villemagne has 28 goals, with Cadiang and Birtwistle contributing 15 apiece. Emme Lewandowski has 11 goals to go with a team-high 21 assists.
“We have so much chemistry since we’ve been together for so long,” Villemagne said. “I feel we’ve created a sisterhood, so we play for each other. We can read each other, and that certainly shows on the field.”
3A West
(2) South Point 6, (18) Stuart Cramer 0
(4) East Lincoln 1, (13) Hickory 1: East Lincoln advances via penalty shootout, 3-2. Mustangs host No. 12 Asheboro on Monday.
2A West
(1) Wilkes Central 8, (17) Lincoln Charter 1: Lincoln Charter’s season ends at 9-7-2.
(5) East Gaston 5, (12) Salisbury 0: East Gaston will host Pine Lake Prep in a 2A West quarterfinal matchup on Monday.
(9) Madison 3, (8) Lincolnton 1: Lincolnton’s season ends at 16-6.
1A West
(1) Union Academy 4, (17) Mountain Island Charter 1: Mountain Island Charter’s season ends at 5-13.
You can reach Joe Hughes at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: South Point routs rival Stuart Cramer in NCHSAA girls soccer playoffs
