Southeast Alamance High School had one thing on its mind Thursday night: redemption. Following a tough 1-0 loss at Northwood High School two weeks ago, the Stallions approached the conference rematch with a determined mentality, emphasizing physicality and defense. The outcome? A gritty 3-2 win that not only avenged its previous loss but also demonstrated its growth and resiliency.
“They’re improving,” Northwood head coach Ascary Arias said. “The physicality in the first half surprised us.”
The shots on goal were lopsided in favor of Southeast Alamance in the first half, limiting scoring chances for Northwood with strong defensive pressure while creating opportunities for themselves by putting shots on net at every chance.
Junior striker Nadia Navarro broke through for the Stallions, scoring the game’s opening goal in the 12th minute. She capitalized on a one-on-one fast break, maneuvering past the Northwood goalkeeper for an easy score.
Navarro brought the physicality all night, having to sub out in the second half due to cramping but quickly returning to the field. She was awarded a yellow card minutes later for a hard challenge. Southeast Alamance head coach Jackson Brooks praised her physicality and determination.
“She just does that ’cause she wants to win,” Brooks said. “She’s a beast.”
After giving up the first goal of the game, Northwood goalkeeper Lizzie Acker made several key saves to keep her team in the match. Her efforts allowed the Chargers to push forward and even score as a deep free kick sailed over the Southeast goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net.
Southeast did not back down, though, as freshman defender Keke Holliman put the Stallions back on top in the 27th minute. Holliman sent a deep shot that deflected off the outstretched hands of Northwood’s goalkeeper. Despite a fingertip save, the ball sailed over Acker’s head and nestled inside the right post.
Leading 2-1 at halftime, Southeast kept up the pressure, controlling possession and limiting Northwood’s chances by keeping the ball in the Chargers’ half.
Senior forward Yanella Lopez put the Stallions up 3-1 in the 69th minute with what proved to be the game-winning goal. She placed her shot just beyond the goalkeeper’s reach, tucking it into the bottom right corner of the net.
“Lately, it’s been hard for me to find my corners,” Lopez said.
But when the opportunity came, she didn’t hesitate, placing her shot with precision — driven by her determination to secure the win.
Northwood responded just a minute later, cutting the deficit to one, with 10 minutes to play in the game. The Chargers continued to push for the equalizer, but junior goalkeeper Daysha Kendrick came up with a pair of crucial saves to secure Southeast’s victory.
With confidence soaring, the Stallions will aim to build on this momentum when they travel to North Moore for another pivotal conference showdown against the Mustangs on April 1.