GIRLS' SOCCER: Voyager tops Princeton on late goal

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 10, 2017 10:00 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PRINCETON -- Tied at 1-all and the clock ticking below the 6-minute mark, Princeton seemed destined for overtime.

Until Voyager Academy delivered the dagger.

Freshman Audree Caitlin punched in the game-deciding goal in the 75th minute, propelling the Vikings past the Bulldogs, 2-1, on opening day of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A girls' soccer playoffs.

"Tonight was a tough, hard-fought contest that unfortunately we came up on the losing end," first-year PHS head coach Thomas Pilkington said. "Voyager was a strong possession team that was able to move the ball up the field in a very controlled manner."

The Bulldogs (12-8-0 overall) absorbed their opponents' assault and create counter scoring attacks. Princeton worked the ball well through the midfield and pushed it forward to its three-pronged offensive attack -- freshman Veronica Blackman, senior Madison Adkins and junior Allie Britt.

The trio combined for 45 goals and 22 assists in regular-season play.

Voyager (6-11-0) kept Princeton kept scoreless at the break. The Vikings led 1-0 on Caitin's first goal.

An upbeat Pilkington talked with his team during halftime, and encouraged them to continue to utilize their strengths. His request finally paid off.

Adkins punched in the equalizer.

"A beautiful struck ball," Pilkington said.

As expected, the intensity level increased as each team worked hard to keep its respective season intact. The Bulldogs and Vikings constantly disrupted the other's attack by intercepting passes in space, or winning the 50/50 balls -- either on the first or second touch.

Caitlin finally struck again.

And Princeton, the No. 13 seed, endured an opening-round playoff loss for the first time since 2012.

"It was a great season in my first season coaching at Princeton," Pilkington said. "The girls had a lot of great moments throughout the year and have a strong foundation to build on."