CALYPSO — The North Duplin Lady Rebels came out aggressive, controlling possession early against the Union Lady Spartans. Their pressure paid off at the 36:03 mark when No. 2 Tristen Stemmler found the back of the net following a corner kick assist from No. 8 Carrly Strickland, giving the Lady Rebels a 1–0 lead.
Union looked to respond quickly, creating opportunities but struggling to convert. Meanwhile, North Duplin continued to press, with a corner kick from No. 9 Paloma Hernandez leading to a shot by No. 22 Camden Cox that sailed just wide right. The Lady Spartans showed flashes of momentum with strong ball movement from No. 5 Aileen Serrano but their shot missed narrowly.
Both teams traded chances as the half progressed. Union’s No. 5 Aileen Serrano tested the Lady Rebels’ goalkeeper Natalie Carreon, who delivered a big-time save to preserve the lead. North Duplin answered with a shot from No. 8 Carrly Strickland but the Lady Spartans’ goalkeeper stood firm with a save of her own.
Late in the half, the Lady Rebels capitalized again. After a throw-in from No. 11 Roselin Orozco and a well-executed play, No. 2 Tristen Stemmler scored her second goal at the 13:06 mark. Strong defensive efforts from both sides closed out the half, with North Duplin leading 2–0.
Halftime Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 2, Union Lady Spartans 0
Second Half: Offensive Explosion and Late Push by Union
The second half opened with both teams generating quality chances but unable to finish early. Union earned a corner kick opportunity but couldn’t convert, while North Duplin responded with a strong sequence featuring No. 10 Sasha Arguijo setting up No. 2 Tristen Stemmler, whose shot just missed the target.
The Lady Spartans continued to push with No. 20 Marlene Sanchez and No. 5 Aileen Serrano creating opportunities, but the Lady Rebels’ goalkeeper Natalie Carreon remained a key presence, making several crucial saves.
North Duplin extended their lead at the 19:11 mark when No. 8 Carrly Strickland made a strong run and finished to make it 3–0. The momentum stayed with the Lady Rebels, and No. 2 Tristen Stemmler completed a hat trick with another goal at the 9:11 mark, pushing the lead to 4–0.
Union refused to back down. No. 3 Evelin Alverez led a strong offensive push, resulting in a goal at the 5:28 mark to get the Lady Spartans on the board. Shortly after, No. 9 Katherine Cruz added another goal at the 2:01 mark, cutting the deficit to 4–2 and sparking late-game excitement.
However, the Lady Rebels responded decisively. With excellent ball movement and adjustments on offense, No. 3 Ivet Campos delivered a precise assist to No. 11 Roselin Orozco, who scored a beautiful goal at the 1:03 mark to seal the victory.
Final Score: North Duplin Lady Rebels 5, Union Lady Spartans 2
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