Hayesville played better than its record and controlled the pace throughout much of the first half against Highlands on Tuesday night.
The home team used a stout defensive effort and a pair of timely offensive rushes to seal a 2-0 victory and maintained second place in the Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference standings.
Nicole Taylor got the Highlanders on the board in the 10th minute when a pass from the midfield snuck through the Hayesville defense. Taylor raced on to the ball and deposited it past the Yellow Jackets’ keeper.
Highlands tallied a second marker before the half and focused on playing defense after the intermission. Goal keeper Olivia Cole made several solid saves enroute to a clean sheet shutout performance.
The win improved Highlands’ record to 8-4 overall and 7-1 in the Smoky Mountain Conference. The victory sets up a critical showdown with Swain County on Thursday night on Highlands’ home turf. The Maroon Devils currently sit atop the league standings with an 8-0 record (10-3-1 overall).
Hayesville dropped to 1-8 on the season and 1-6 in conference play despite the strong showing.