Pioneers blank East Burke;

Watauga clinches third place
From staff reports

TAYLORSVILLE — Watauga’s girls’ soccer team clinched third place with a 3-0 victory over Alexander Central last Friday.

The Pioneers (12-4-2), 7-2-2 Northwestern 4-A Conference) scored all three of their goals in the second half after starting the game with a 0-0 first half tie. Caitlyn Soukup struck first for the Pioneers with an unassisted goal in the game’s 62nd minute. Watauga added a goal later in the second half when Lucy Binning scored on an assist by Tiffany Dickens. The Pioneers closed out their scoring with a goal from Jodi Krause. Macy Johnson had the assist.

Watauga’s defense posted its seventh straight shutout. Watauga has outscored its opponents 26-0 during that stretch, which includes 0-0 ties with McDowell and A.C. Reynolds.

It’s been tough enough for offenses to get past Watauga’s defenders Ashlyn Clark, Ashlyn Baird, Bethany Miller and K.D. Hinshaw. Even if they do, goal keeper Sarah Caldwell has been making several saves on shots at the Pioneers’ goal.

“Our defense has been doing a good job limiting other team’s scoring opportunities,” Pioneers coach Doug Kidd said. “Even if they do get past, Sarah has done a great job making saves.”

Alexander Central (10-5-2, 5-4-1) was outshot 16-6 by the Pioneers.

Watauga plays Asheville Tuesday and then closes out the NWC season at home against South Caldwell Thursday.