The Cape Fear Community College women's soccer team endured a demanding back-to-back stretch this weekend, falling 4–0 to USC Lancaster on Friday before rallying for a 2–1 victory at Montgomery College on Saturday. The results move the Sea Devils to 2–2 on the season.
Game 1 – USC Lancaster 4, Cape Fear 0
The Sea Devils opened the weekend on the road against a strong Lancaster squad. The hosts wasted little time, striking in the second minute through Ava Passmore. Elaine Otten doubled the lead in the 15th minute before Emilia Schickgram added another in the 36th. Otten secured her second goal early in the second half to seal the 4–0 result.
Cape Fear's offensive chances were limited, with shots on goal coming from Ava Walker and Isabelle Ingoe. In goal, freshman Lily Richards made three saves in 75 minutes of action before giving way to Jaime Maguire, who added four saves in the final 15 minutes.
"A disappointing result, but I think we needed this against a good opponent. We will rest and adjust and get back at it tomorrow," said Head Coach Ponton.
Game 2 – Cape Fear 2, Montgomery 1
The next day, Cape Fear responded with renewed energy and adjustments. In the 10th minute, Abigail Williams put the Sea Devils ahead from the penalty spot after a foul in the box, converting with help from Kenliana Dixon.
Montgomery found the equalizer in the 48th minute when Katherine Yanez followed up a loose ball to level the match at 1–1. Despite tired legs from the previous day, Cape Fear continued to press, and in the 80th minute freshman Laina Elliott delivered the decisive strike with a long-range effort that found the back of the net.
Freshman goalkeeper Lily Richards finished the match with six saves, helping secure the victory.
"I'm very proud of the team today. We bounced back exactly how we needed and even though we had tired legs we pushed through to get the victory against a solid side. Now we rest and carry on off this momentum," Ponton added.
Cape Fear leaves the weekend with a split, using Friday's setback at Lancaster as a learning moment before producing a resilient response against Montgomery. The Sea Devils now sit at 2–2 on the season. Cape Fear returns to action on Saturday, September 27, when they travel to face Eastern Florida State College.