By Brian Meadows
Media General News Service

Lake Norman wore out the grass in its offensive zone Wednesday night, but visiting Mooresville withstood the constant barrage.

The Blue Devils forged a 0-0 draw, and when the final whistle blew following the second 10-minute overtime period, Mooresville fans let loose a thunderous ovation.
The reaction was quite the opposite on the home side.

It was just the third time in 62 North Piedmont 3A games Lake Norman hasn’t won.

Mooresville’s win two years ago remains to be the only NPC loss for Lake Norman. Wednesday’s outcome was the next-best thing for the Blue Devils (8-1-4, 5-1-2 NPC).

“It’s one of those situations where, for us, a tie is a win,” Mooresville coach Steve Stith said.

Mooresville goalkeeper Alicia Danenhower performed brilliantly. The sophomore made 24 saves.

“Everyone is just excited, because it’s definitely one of our goals to come out and compete against them well,” Danenhower said.

The Wildcats (10-0-3, 7-0-1 NPC), ranked third in the 3A state coaches poll, almost struck in the 10th minute. But Tia King’s header off Kelly King’s corner kick went right into Danenhower’s arms.

Looking for the late go-ahead tally, Kelly King and Christina Barbour worked a nice give-and-go with two minutes left in regulation. King unloaded from about 15 yards, but Danenhower stood tall and denied the goal.

“After (Danenhower) handled the ball about four or five times, I knew that she was in it and they were going to have to beat her with a great shot,” Stith said. “She really stepped up to the plate, and we got good minutes from everybody.”

Unofficially, Lake Norman uncorked 65 shots. Fewer than half were on frame. Shot selection was a big factor.

“We’re having trouble finishing,” Lake Norman coach Dane Perry said. “(But) you’re not going to beat (Danenhower) from 30 yards away unless you hit an absolute frozen rope to the upper ninety.”

Keepers Mollie Zimmer and Callie Prevo helped Lake Norman record its 13th straight shutout, but they combined for one save.

“We’ll play them again,” Perry said, “but hey, this lets them back in the conference race.”

You must be logged in to post comments. Please Log in or register.