ALL-ECC 2A: Goldsboro's Nacca named league's soccer POY

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 25, 2017 7:07 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

One of five seniors who helped lead the Goldsboro High girls' soccer team to its record-setting campaign on the pitch this season, Angelina Nacca received an unexpected -- and well-deserved -- honor from her peers.

Nacca is the 2017 Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference player-of-the-year.

"Angelina was the engine to our machine," Cougars head coach Chad Lewis said. "She was a phenomenal young woman that brought so much to our team. She never quit...played 80 minutes every game no matter what. (It) didn't matter if we were up one or eight (goals).

"Her drive and attitude are going to be greatly missed."

Goldsboro (18-3-3 overall) posted an unblemished record (8-0-0) against ECC opposition and advanced to third-round play in the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs for the first time in program history. Nacca punched in nine goals, dished out five assists and collected 62 steals.

Joining Nacca on the all-ECC list are sophomore defender Rylie Hales, sophomore forward Abigail Lewis, sophomore forward Hannah Williamson, senior striker Juanita Cortez-Torres and sophomore goalie Selena Morales.

The Cougars also emerged as the ECC 2-A regular-season champions in boys tennis. The tandem of Sam DeAraujo-Xan Pate claimed the ECC and eastern regional doubles crowns, and reached the semifinals of the NCHSAA state tournament.

DeAraujo-Pate drew nods on the all-ECC team along with Caleb Whitted and Aaron Podbielski. DeAraujo filed a 34-1 record in singles and doubles play combined, while Pate was 32-3. Whitted ended the year 22-4 and Podbielski ended up 19-8.

Goldsboro (12-2) fell to N.C. School of Science Math in second-round action of the NCHSAA dual-team playoffs.

"We had a great season this year and many thanks to all of those who supported us along the way," Cougars head coach Steven Fine said.

Individual state qualifier Ryan Kimble received all-ECC accolades and helped guide the Cougars to the ECC 2-A golf championship. Teammates Cameron Anderson and Joseph Foy each garnered all-ECC recognition.

GHS finished eighth as a team in regional competition.

Brody Morton was named to the all-ECC team in baseball. Softball had two all-ECC selections -- Matti Rose Lyon and Riley Howell.