On a day that could only be described as brutally cold, Highlands got its offense warmed up enough to take down Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference rival Blue Ridge on Monday night.
The Highlanders prevailed by a 4-0 final score as winds howled and temperatures dropped near the freezing mark and darkness settled in.
During the first 30 minutes of action neither team found any offensive footing. Highlands controlled the pace of play and kept the ball near the Bobcats goal, but were unable to score.
Blue Ridge’s tight defense kept the game tied, but it didn’t lead to any offensive chances.
With the game tied at 0-0 at halftime, the Highlanders regrouped and upped the offensive pressure even more.
Sadie Green got the scoring underway with a goal early in the second half and followed up with a second marker just minutes later to give Highlands a 2-0 advantage.
Tate Wilson increase the home team’s lead to 3-0 and Charlotte Westendorf capped the scoring for the Highlanders.
Highlands finished with 18 shots on goal. Blue Ridge finished the game without getting a shot on net, meaning Highlander keepers Olivia Cole and Trinity Faust combined on the shutout in the net.
Highlands (2-3 overall, 2-1 conference) will be back in action tonight at Cherokee. The Highlanders next home match isn’t until March 27 when Polk County comes to pay a visit.
Blue Ridge (0-2 overall, 0-2 conference) played Murphy on Tuesday night. The Bobcats next home game is scheduled for April 1 against Cherokee.
The Highlanders and Bobcats will complete their season series on April 25 at Blue Ridge.