<strong>GIRLS SOCCER</strong>

JPII wins shootout in season opener

John Paul II girls soccer started its season off right with a thrilling shootout win over a tough Northwood Academy at home Thursday.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Golden Warriors evened the match in the second half and won 3-2 in a penalty shootout to claim a hard-fought victory.

Northwood took a 1-0 lead after a penalty kick was awarded for a handball inside the box, but JPII’s Paige Weniger brought the team back by outsmarting Northwood’s goalie and scoring in the corner with 10 minutes left in the game, forcing a shootout to determine the winner.

Gin White put on an amazing performance to lead a strong JPII defense that prevented Northwood from pressuring freshman goalie Trinity Grace Maxwell, who also played an astounding first game with JPII after joining the team Monday following the SCISA basketball playoffs.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Maxwell made several key stops in the second half and in the shootout to lift her team to victory.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Lions, soggy conditions can’t slow down HHP

Hilton Head Prep girls soccer made a big splash on its wet home field Tuesday, dominating Holy Trinity 10-1.

Shania Diaz and Sadie Callen each notched a hat trick for the Dolphins to lead the flaming-hot offense, which has scored 18 goals in two days.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Ansleigh Crenshaw dazzled with two goals and three assists, while Bryn Miller and Kylie Foley also found the back of the net. Miller tacked on a pair of assists, and Ella Clark added a helper.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Sophomore Kate Twitty scored the lone goal for the Lions.

Holy Trinity (0-1) plays at Patrick Henry on March 11.

<strong>BOYS SOCCER</strong>

JPII blanks previously unbeaten Raiders

John Paul II boys soccer traveled to undefeated Savannah Christian Prep on Monday and came home with an impressive 2-0 victory in the Golden Warriors’ regular-season opener.

Evan Slusne made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet behind a strong defensive effort led by Renzo Cedeno and Ben Richardson as the Golden Warriors shut down a Raiders squad that had put up 25 goals during a 7-0 start that included wins over numerous Georgia public school programs.

Anthony Hill opened the scoring off of an assist from Gabe Orta, and Jackson Ogden finished off a nice assist from Nic Richardson with a well-placed shot to the upper corner to cap the scoring.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

JPII (1-0) hosts Bluffton High School, Golden Warriors coach Josh Fox’s former team, at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

<strong>GIRLS LACROSSE</strong>

Eagles earn first-ever win over Sharks

Beaufort High girls lacrosse opened region play on a strong note Thursday, going on the road and defeating May River for the first time in an 11-9 decision.

The Sharks raced out to an early 5-2 lead, but Beaufort’s solid work on the draws and fantastic defensive adjustments turned the tide, giving the Eagles a statement win to open the region slate.

Amyah Todd led the way for the winning side, netting four goals and an assist while scooping up seven ground balls. Sophia Pellegrino, Abbie Baise, and Annabelle Hooper added two goals each while Lillian Carr scored the first of her career. Carr was tremendous in the circle, controlling an impressive nine of 11 draws. Lilly Dangerfield and Sydney Lashley anchored a strong defensive showing, and Morgan Wright made 12 saves in goal.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Senior Venessa Matuzak led the Sharks with four goals and four ground balls, and Mary Agnes Wessels scored three goals.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>