Swannanoa Valley sports report
Colleges
Montreat’s women’s soccer team dropped an Oct. 13 decision to the NAIA’s Brenau University (6-6-2), 2-1. It was the third straight overtime game for the Cavaliers, who were 4-5-3 on the year heading into last Saturday’s contest against Tennessee Wesleyan.
The four wins are the most since Montreat went 6-10-2 in 2014. Freshman Kaitlyn Adams leads the Cavs with three goals. Following the Tennessee Wesleyan game, the Cavs were scheduled to face St. Andrews on Wednesday and Reinhardt on Sunday, Oct. 28.
Warren Wilson’s men’s soccer team was ranked number 9 in the USCAA’s Division II on Oct. 17. The Owls were 6-4 prior to an Oct. 17 contest against Regent University and an Oct. 22 match against Johnson & Wales – Charlotte. The ranking was following a convincing 6-0 defeat of Central Penn, who was ranked number 5 in the USCAA at the time. Junior Allyson Nestler and freshman Chloe Riess each have seven goals for the Owls.
The Montreat Cavs’ men’s side closed out their 2018 home schedule by tying the NAIA’s number 12 team, Reinhardt. With the scoreless draw, Montreat moved to 5-6-3 on the season with three games remaining.
“We played against a very good team, but we definitely didn't look out of place,” said head coach Michael Bruce afterward. “We played like a top-15 team in the nation tonight, which was good to see."
They traveled to face Tennessee Wesleyan last Saturday and are on the road again Wednesday to play St. Andrews. The Cavs close out the regular season campaign on Monday, Oct. 29 against George Gwinnett and will then await news on a spot in the AAC postseason tournament.
At the Queens Royals Challenge in Charlotte on Oct. 12, Montreat’s broke the school record for a cross-country 5k and set a personal record at the distance. The 17:46 at Charlotte’s McAlpine Park helped the sophomore finish 14th in a field of 412. Next in for the Cavs’ was Skyler Tait, a promising freshman from Franklin, North Carolina.
The men took the 19th spot in the field of 43 teams, with freshman Nathan Richards leading the squad with a 25:29 time at the 8K distance.
Warren Wilson finished 38 of 43 teams at the same meet, with Julian Rohn-Capellaro first across the finish for the Owls. The women’s squad came in 41 out of a field of 45 and Sophie Willihnganz placed the team across the finish line.
High Schools
The Owen boys’ high school soccer team has the Valley’s longest winning streak, capturing nine-straight games en route to an 11-4 overall record. They’re also 7-0 in the conference with three regular season games remaining. They were scheduled to host Madison on Oct. 22 and close out their regular season with games at Mitchell on Thursday and Polk County on Oct. 29.
Last year the Warhorses went 16-6-1 and bowed out in the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs.
The Warlassies volleyball team closed out their season with wins over Mitchell and Mountain Heritage to finish 13-10 overall in the regular season. Check back next week for playoff updates. The 13 wins are the most since 2009.
On the tennis court, the Warlassies finished regular season play with a 6-6 mark under head coach Chris Barcklow. They fell on Oct. 17 in the 2A state playoffs to East Burke. Senior Margaret Hey closed out her career with a 7-6, 3-6, 10-6 win at second singles. “Great win and a fitting way to say goodbye to a special player,” said Barcklow.
The Warhorses’ football team beat Avery 48-0 on Oct. 19, improving to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in the Western Highlands Conference.
Following the Avery game they were scheduled to travel to face Madison on October 26, and Mitchell on Nov. 2.