Hawks Battle Hard but Fall Short Against Washington Pam Pack, 4-2
LAGRANGE—In a tightly contested match, the North Lenoir Hawks (1-3) were narrowly defeated at home by the undefeated Washington Pam Pack (4-0) with a final score of 4-2. Despite a slow start and a halftime deficit, the Hawks showed grit and determination, making it a close game in the second half.
The first half saw Washington Pam Pack take control early, heading into the break with a 2-0 lead. However, North Lenoir emerged from halftime with renewed intensity. Within the first minute of the second half, the Hawks scored to cut the deficit to 2-1. Just four minutes later, Christopher Romero equalized, sending a surge of excitement through the home crowd as the game was tied at 2-2.
Despite North Lenoir's efforts, Washington regained the lead with a penalty kick just two minutes later, putting them up 3-2 with 38 minutes still to play. They solidified their win with another goal within ten minutes, effectively sealing the match.
North Lenoir Head Coach Chris Evans expressed his thoughts on the game, acknowledging both the team's shortcomings and their resilience. "We didn't play our best in the first half, but we talked it out at halftime and made some changes. They showed me tonight that they won't quit on me, so I'm super proud of that," said Evans.
Reflecting on the quality of their opponents, Evans added, "Washington is a really good team and has a great program." He also spoke about the strategic importance of a tough non-conference schedule. "I told them I wanted these games to harden us. It really helped us last year in conference, playing this tough non-conference schedule."
Coach Evans also highlighted the leadership of his two captains, Madox Smith and Mason Sasser. "Mason has been a four-year starter on the back line and has meant a lot to us. Madox has been starting since he was a freshman, and he is really coming into his own in the leadership role," he noted. Mason Sasser, a senior, is serving as a captain for the second year in a row, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the team. Meanwhile, junior Madox Smith is in his first year as a captain, already stepping up as a leader on and off the field.
Junior captain Madox Smith reflected on the team's development, saying, "I think I have grown a lot, but I think the team has grown way more. We still have a long way to go, but that will come with practice and more time on the field."
Senior captain Mason Sasser emphasized the importance of team chemistry. "I think we just need a little more time on the field and team chemistry to help fix most of our mistakes," said Sasser.
Looking ahead, North Lenoir will play at Princeton (0-2-1) in their next match, a team they have already beaten 4-3 earlier this season. The Hawks will also host Nash Central (1-0-1) at home next week, presenting another opportunity to build on their recent performances and gain momentum in their season.
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