WILSON -- Getting to the state championship hasn't been a problem for Cary Christian's girls soccer program, but with these numerous appearances have come second-place finishes that are becoming all too familiar.
It was sixth straight appearance in the NCISAA championship game for the Knights, and for the fifth time, Cary Christian ended its season as the state runner-up. On a Saturday night at J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex in Wilson, the Knights lost 3-1 to Greensboro's Caldwell Academy in the 2-A title match.
It was the third straight season Cary Christian came up short in the 2-A championship after winning the 2008 title.
"We're glad to be here, but we're getting tired of silver," Cary Christian coach Brian Twidt said.
The Knights (17-4-3) got on the board first as senior Noelle Beasley, a North Greenville (S.C.) recruit, sent in a corner kick that met junior Julia Manchester just above the 6-yard box. Manchester directed her header into the far corner to make the score 1-0 at the 24:43 mark in the first half.
After that, Caldwell Academy (20-1-3) dominated the pace of the game.
The Eagles had more shots in the first half (7-5) and controlled possession after Manchester's goal. But Caldwell Academy couldn't seem to get one past senior goalkeeper Katrina Wertz.
In the second half, Caldwell Academy's Katie Robinson got free on a breakaway and was challenged by Wertz. Robinson's first attempt was blocked, but went right back to her with Wertz on the ground. Robinson then tapped in an open-net goal at 31:03 to even the score at 1-1.
The teams went scoreless again until 9:57 to go in the game, when Ashley Gorman headed in a cross by Caldwell Academy teammate Jayne Langmeyer.
The Eagles added one for good measure with 7:28 to go in the game when Cary Christian's Janey Self smacked down a shot attempt in the box with her left hand, leading to a Caldwell Academy penalty kick which Rebekah Page converted for the game's finally score.
The good news for Cary Christian is that only three of its players - Wertz, Beasley and Alexis White - are seniors, so most of this year's team will have the opportunity to end the runner-up blues next year.
