By Jon McCachren
sports@salisburypopst.com
MOUNT ULLA ó West Rowan entered the playoffs on Wednesday evening with a dominating performance at both ends of the field, defeating Rockingham Countyís Cougars 6-1.
Barely four minutes into the game, Toni Lucente intercepted a deflected pass and made a shot too hot for the Cougar goalkeeper to stop from 20 yards. She made it 2-0 on a header off a perfect throw in from Allison Baucom 4 minutes later.
Lucente scored two more times, once on another steal and shot, and finally on a pass from Brittany Gibbons right in front of the goal.
Gibbons capped the scoring with two goals in the second half. She received an Allison Parker free kick and headed it into the net from five yards, then made it 6-0 on a pass from Meredith Stanley with 12 minutes remaining.
The Cougarsí lone goal was on a penalty kick by Kristine Williams with 10 minutes to go.
Rockingham County had no solution for Falcon midfielder Allison Baucom who seemed to capture every loose ball and intercept every pass. West also got outstanding performances from Kayla Boley and Brittain Hendrickson on defense and Gibbons at forward.
Falcon coach Nick Brown was happy with his teamís effort.
ěI’m very pleased with the way we came out tonight,î he stated. ěWe were very focused from the get-go and it showed as we scored three goals early. A lot of people stepped up tonight and played with a lot of confidence. Toni’s four goals on her birthday set the tone and it was a good way to celebrate.î
Now, itís on to the second round and the defending 3A champion for West (17-2).
ěWe’re very excited about playing Marvin Ridge on Friday,î Brown said, ěand I hope we bring the same level of energy into that game.î