Eastern soccer blows out Southern Alamance, Cedar Ridge

Eastern Alamance senior women's soccer star Molly Widderich, who is taking her talents to Appalachian State, recorded back-to-back hat tricks as the Eagles blew out recent opponents Southern Alamance and Cedar Ridge. EAHS improved to 3-0-1 on the season with the pair of wins, while also improving to 1-0 in Central Conference play with their 9-0 triumph at Cedar Ridge in Hillsborough on March 16. 

 Photo courtesy of Maxpreps.com

After tying Triangle powerhouse Chapel Hill at home 1-1 in their season opener February 28, and then shutting out East Chapel Hill on the road March 9, the Eagles won a pair of lopsided victories over local foes Southern Alamance and Cedar Ridge. EAHS crushed the Patriots 10-1 at home in Mebane on March 15, and followed it up the next day by traveling to Hillsborough and overwhelming Cedar Ridge, 9-0. 

In the win over Southern Alamance the Eagles settled the issue rather quickly, scoring six first half goals to take a 6-0 lead into halftime. EAHS then added four more goals in the second half, while giving up a goal, for its nine-goal margin of victory. Sophomore Abby Brinker had a big night for the Eagles, tallying four goals, while senior Molly Widderich also recorded a hat trick with three goals. Sophomore Ryen Gibbs scored twice for the victorious Eagles, while senior Adrianna Glancy also found the back of the net for the home team. 

Widderich also contributed three assists in the win, while senior Mackenzie Webber also recorded two assists. Gibbs, freshman Maci Link, and junior Ainsley Dial also recorded assists for the Eagles in the win over Southern Alamance. As a team, the Eagles managed 14 shots on goal against the Patriots, while standout senior goalkeeper Karsyn Johnson made two saves and allowed just one goal in the victory. 

EAHS opened Central Conference play with their March 16 road encounter against Cedar Ridge, and just as they did against the Red Wolves in 2022, with a pair of easy victories, the Eagles took it to their league counterpart. Eastern hit CRHS with a barrage of early offense, as the Eagles scored eight goals before halftime. Bob Webber’s squad took its collective foot off the gas a little in the second half, scoring just once more, although the EAHS defense continued to hold strong for the team’s second shutout victory.  

Brinker and Widderich continued their outstanding play by recording hat tricks once again, as each scored three times against the Red Wolves. Gibbs, sophomore Carson Story, and senior Audrey Hupman also scored goals for the victorious Eagles, while Link, Dial, Widderich, and Webber contributed one assist each, and Brinker and Hupman contributed two assists apiece. 

With the wins in hand over Southern Alamance and Cedar Ridge, the Eagles improved to 3-0-1 on the young season. The preseason favorites in the Central Conference get into the meat of their league slate this week. After traveling to Elon Tuesday night to face Western Alamance, the Eagles are scheduled to host Williams Thursday night inside Fred Brady Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. between the Eagles and Bulldogs.