Kappa Delta Pi welcomes 10 new members on Bid Day. Submitted Photo.
By: Hunter Locklear
UNCP Braves easily defeated the North Greenville Tigers at Lumbee River EMC Stadi- um on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The Braves were able to pull out the 2-0 win with two second half scores, increasing the teams win-streak to three games.
In the 63 minute, Rilee Seering found the goal off an assist by Anna Grossheim, giving Seering goal number five for the season.
Seering was active throughout the game, with 12 shot attempts.
IIaya Bigford was able to put the finishing touch on the game, with a late goal in minute 70. Alexis Pittman recorded the assist on the goal.
The goal gives Bigford her second goal of the season.
This win put the Braves at a 3-game win streak, while also becoming 4-0 in conference games so far this season.
In both games versus North Greenville, the Braves have been able to come out on top.
Seering’s goal that gave the Braves the lead was also a milestone for her. The goal marked the 25th career goal for Seering.
After the game, Seering spoke about what is going well for the team during this win streak.
“The win against NGU was huge for the team… we are taking it game by game, not looking ahead,” said Seering. “We all equally contribute a role on this team and that is what we need throughout the season.”
Seering also spoke about what it means to win at home, and the feeling of joy it brings to her and the rest of the team.
“Winning at home is a feeling that never gets old. Being able to hear home fans get ex- cited and cheer and seeing the smiles after the game is the best feeling ever,” Seering said.
“It makes the team feel like we represent UNCP well, and I love being able to walk off the field giving hugs to everyone and just enjoy- ing it with the students and the family.”
Regarding her scoring play, Seering noted when she gets a goal, it immediately boosts
her confidence, and it gives her the chance to look at her teammates and tell them “Let’s keep going.”
“We’ve all been working hard in practice and doing the right things on and off the field, but I think our confidence and determination to come out on top is a huge component in our success this year,” Bigford said.
“It makes a win that much better when you have a stadium cheering with you. This year we set out to be undefeated at home and we are definitely on the right path,” Bigford said.
Bigford noted that the goal to put the Braves up 2-0 was a play that was practiced often, and the team knew it would be successful against NGU.
“I saw Lexi Pittman driving towards the end line and our other two forwards getting in towards the goal, so I made a run towards the back post and Lexi Pittman played a perfect cross that I was able to just redirect,” Bigford said.
Since the September 25 matchup, the Braves were able to pick up two more wins against Shaw (final score 3-0) and Converse (final score 7-0) to improve their win streak to five games.
With those wins, the Braves are now 6-3 overall and 5-0 in conference play, putting UNCP in first place in the Conference Caroli- nas.
In nine games played, goalkeeper Chiara Coppin leads the conference with four shutouts on the season.
The next two upcoming games will be in Pembroke against Chowan on Oct. 6 and in Bristol, Tennesee against King on Oct. 9.
