Special to the Maroon Devils Network – The Swain Maroon Devils Women’s soccer team kicked off their season on Wednesday evening traveling to the Eagles of Rabun Gap. The Lady Devils had a strong showing in the season opener taking a 7-2 win over the Eagles. Senior Kyndall Cochran led the Lady Devils with three goals and three assists in the game.
The first half was tough for the Lady Devils as they struggled to connect their passes. 23 minutes into the first half Sophomore Bri Ross made a long pass to Freshman Kaylee Simmons who finished from the left side of the goal. The Lady Devils would go into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half proved to be a different story for the Lady Devils. They were connecting their passes all over the field. Four minutes into the second half Junior Dhruti Senghani found Cochran for her first goal of the season. Just one minute later Sophomore Isabelle Green found Cochran for another goal. Eleven minutes in a foul was committed just outside the box by the Eagles. Cochran took the free kick quickly passing to Green who found the back of the net. Two minutes later Cochran would find Sophomore Kate Poss close to midfield. Poss would dribble the ball down the field increasing the score to 5-0. 20 minutes into the second half Rabun Gap would score their first goal of the game off a corner kick. The Lady Devils would answer just 13 seconds later off a pass from Green to Cochran. Rabun Gap would score once more with 5 minutes left in the game. The scoring would be finished off by Freshman Avery Maples off a pass from Cochran.
On the Defensive side of the ball the Lady Devils were led by Poss with 12 Steals/Clears. Senior Jessie Richards added 8 and Ross added 6. In Goal Sophomore Maddie Lay had 5 Saves and Junior Hope Long had 3 Saves.
“Overall it was a hard fought game. We struggled in the first half connecting our passes.” said Coach Scott Cline. “By the second half we were ready to come out strong and the girls really stepped up their play. Rabun Gap has a very talented team so it was a big win for our girls.”
The Swain Player of the Game was Kyndall Cochran. “Kyndall showed her commitment to the team. She not only lead the way in scoring, but she also led the way in assists.” said Cline. “She has really embraced her leadership role on this team and leads by example.”