No. 1 Ashley girls soccer uses Manset's brace to down No. 22 Hoggard
Hoggard scored less than a minute into the opening chapter of its 2024 battles with Ashley.
The Ellis Kelly goal to take quick 1-0 was a statement, and had many ready for a thrilling showdown reminiscent of the two that the Vikings and Screaming Eagles had a year ago.
But top-ranked Ashley was unfazed. Sophie Morvil leveled the game at 1-1, and Savannah Manset wasted no time scoring twice as a 3-1 lead at the break was all that they needed to remain unbeaten this season.
The Screaming Eagles dominated on set pieces. Kieran Bradley helped break the ice for the road side in the 15th on a corner that she angled back towards the cage from the far post. Morvil was there to deflect the ball in off of her knee for the 1-1 tie.
Three minutes later, Manset gave Ashley a lead that it would not relinquish, 2-1.
Kiley Peat sent a 29th minute corner towards the box. Manset found a lane down the middle and crashed between a pair of Hoggard defenders to get the touch give Ashley a 3-1 lead.
Morgan Tucker stonewalled the Vikings on each of their second half attempts to cut back into the deficit.
Ashley is now 7-0-1 on the season and 3-0 in conference play. A home match on Wednesday against West Brunswick is its final before the spring break.
Hoggard drops to 6-3, and 3-1 in league play. The Vikings will look to rebound on April 9 at Topsail.
