Gilmer High School got a break from its region schedule last Wednesday when it hosted Union County on senior night. The GHS Lady Cats surrendered a late goal to end the first half, and the Panthers added another in the second for a 2-0 win.
Gilmer was at East Forsyth Friday, and the hometown Broncos took a one-goal lead into the locker room at the break and netted two more over the final 40 minutes to defeat GHS, 3-0.
Neither Gilmer or Union had many scoring opportunities in the first half Wednesday, but the Panthers made the most of theirs. UCHS scored when a rebounded shot from the right side was met at the far post after 30 minutes of play.
Lady Cat Sophia Lykins was there for two shots, and Reagan Boling added another in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. The Panthers’ offensive efforts were rewarded with just over two minutes to play when they scored off an indirect free kick from 8 yards out.
“It was one of the most fundamentally sound games we’ve played this season,” said coach April Nicholson. “I feel like we played less ‘bang ball’ and focused more on getting the small things right.
“Overall, we have shown improvement every game, and as a coach, that’s one of the big things you ask for, to just get better. These girls are very young, and they have big shoes to fill from our graduating seniors.”
GHS held the Broncos scoreless for the first 38 minutes of Friday’s match. EFHS tacked on two more goals in the second half to cement its win
“They’re typically a very high-scoring team, and it was obvious they were getting frustrated,” Nicholson said. “We gave them a game they did not expect. Our attack was able to penetrate their defense, but unfortunately, we were not able to land anything in the back of the net. Caitlin Henderson played a great game in goal, and it’s been a joy watching this very young team progress throughout the season.”
The Cats are 3-8-1 and 1-3 versus region opponents. GHS hosts Dawson Wednesday and North Hall Friday. Both matches are set to start at 5 p.m.