No. 19 Union Pines pulls away from No. 24 Croatan in girls lacrosse clash

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — With each passing week, you could argue Union Pines' girls lacrosse program continues to top its previous "biggest win in school history" with another. At the rate they're going, they might have a few more still left.

The Vikings took down the reigning 1A/2A/3A state champs on Saturday, defeating Croatan 15-5 in a match held at Pinecrest High.

In its fifth year as a program, Union Pines is now 9-0 on the year. It has already notched its first-ever wins over 4A Pinecrest in state history — that was last week.

This week, it sent a statement that it (or First Flight) will be the team to beat in the East.

Freshman Ellie Powell had five goals and three assists, senior Janie Spicer had four goals and one assist, and junior Madelyn Telemeco had three goals and four assists. The Vikings also got one goal and two assists from Addison Volitis, two goals from Caroline Carver, and two assists from Madison Aldridge.

It was a rematch of the round of eight in last year's playoffs, when Croatan won 18-7.

The Cougars (8-4) are younger this year, particularly in the midfield.

Senior goalie Devan Maready, a returning HSOT third team all-state selection, stood on her head in the first half to keep Croatan in it. Union Pines led just 3-2 after the first quarter and 4-3 at halftime.

A returning first-team selection, Lauren Hayden, had three goals and two assists. Maddie Sutton and Malaya Kilgore had the other goals. Kilgore also added an assist.

Union Pines controlled the draws and the possession in the entire second half, leading 9-5 after the third quarter and shutting out Croatan in the fourth.