SW Onslow downs Thomas Jefferson in 1A girls soccer final

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RALEIGH-- Experience may make a difference in state playoffs, but for Southwest Onslow High School on Friday night, the formula was a little different.

A couple of freshmen came through to score as the Stallions beat Mooresboro Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy 2-0 in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 1-A women's soccer championship game at Dail Soccer Field at North Carolina State University.

Freshmen Taylor Marley and Amanda McCurry each tallied first-half goals for the Stallions, and then the Southwest defense made it hold up. Marley was named the championship's Most Valuable Player.

The Stallions broke on top 1-0 in the game's eighth minute on Marley's goal, assisted by Jamie Berti. Then less than six minutes before intermission, McCurry found the back of the net to put Southwest ahead 2-0.

Keeper Erika Ware recorded the shutout in goal, the 10th of the year for Southwest, and she had seven saves on the night. The Gryphons actually seven shots on goal to four for the Stallions and had four corner kicks to one for Southwest.

Southwest Onslow made its third consecutive trip to the NCHSAA women's soccer championship, winning a state title in 2010 and finishing as runner-up last year, while Thomas Jefferson was playing in its first NCHSAA team championship in any sport.

The Stallions completed a 15-5-2 campaign, which included two playoff victories in overtime, while Thomas Jefferson ended the year 18-5.

The Raleigh Sports Consortium serves as the primary host city partner for the women's soccer championship, along with the Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.
 
NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
STATE 1-A WOMEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
Dail Soccer Field, Cary
 
Thomas Jefferson 0 0 -- 0
Southwest Onslow 2  0 -- 2
 
SCORING
8th minute  SWO--Taylor Marley (Jamie Berti)
35th minute SWO--Amanda McCurry