Princeton notches first-ever, girls' soccer playoff win

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on May 9, 2013 1:47 PM

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PRINCETON -- Princeton didn't just win another game Wednesday evening.

The Bulldogs made a little school history along the way.

Jessica Brush scored a pair of goals and Princeton defeated Union 3-0 in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs. The Bulldogs earned their first postseason victory since the program began in 2006.

Princeton visits defending state champion Southwest Onslow in the second round on Saturday.

"This is a big step," Bulldogs' head coach Eusebio Montoya said. "To go 6-0 in the conference and now our first playoff victory, obviously that's tremendous success. We're just looking forward to Saturday and hopefully we can get a good result."

The Bulldogs (14-4-1 overall) dictated the play from the outset of the match and created scoring chances throughout the first half. Peyton Whitley was all alone with Spartans' goal keeper Briana Lakebrink in the 18th minute but Lakebrink managed to turn away Whitley's shot.

Jenna Woodard's shot from inside the 18-yard box was saved by Lakebrink in the 21st minute. Princeton got on the scoreboard in the 26th minute when Brush scored on Whitley's assist.

"I think that was a turning point because we were controlling the ball, but we weren't putting it in the back of the net," Montoya said. "I think once we put it in the back of the net, the girls were more relaxed, able to go to the goal a little bit more and get some more opportunities."

Brush found the back of the net again when her high, tailing shot found its way over Lakebrink's head.

Union (5-10-0) was held without a shot on goal in the opening 40 minutes.

Whitley capped Princeton's scoring in the 48th minute when she booted home a rebound off a shot by Brush.

The Spartans' lone shot on goal of the game came in the 50th minute from Raylyn Schiller and it was saved by Bulldogs' keeper Amber Hill.

Princeton finished with a 12-1 advantage in shots on goal.