Panthers top Newton 3-1

Wednesday's local roundup

Staff Reports

Hibriten's hold on the top 2-A spot in the Catawba Valley Athletic Conference's soccer standings got a little tighter Wednesday night as the Panthers downed Newton-Conover 3-1 on the road.

The Panthers improved to 9-7-1 overall and 8-5 in the CVAC.

Hibriten held a 2-0 lead at the half, after goals by Holli Schwartz and Hallie Hilliard. But the Red Devils pulled within a goal when a free kick by Amy Whitaker floated into the net. That caused a little uneasiness on the part of Hibriten coach Shea Bridges.

“The girls played a good game, but we've got to learn to get the killer instinct and put teams away,” Bridges said. “We've been in every game we've played, but sometimes when we're ahead, we let them hang around.”

Hibriten put the Devils away with five minutes to go when Sarah Gibbons scored on a breakaway.

The Panthers return to action Friday when they host St. Stephens.

Warriors fall

to Foard

West Caldwell fell to 3-10 in the CVAC with a 3-0 loss to Foard Wednesday.

The Warriors and Tigers played to a scoreless tie for a half before Foard rattled off three goals on a free kick, a fastbreak and a penalty kick.

“The first half, we were doing great,” West coach Andrew Kanagy said. “They're really a good team. They had a lot of shots on goal.”

Warrior keeper Kaleia Kent had another solid outing in goal against a flurry of shots.

West plays at Patton Friday.