Union Co. girls soccer falls to Rabun Co. at home

Union Co. freshman Alli Franklin, left, and Rabun Co. junior Lauren Barnes pursue the ball Tuesday, March 3.

Despite holding a 5-4 lead a little more than six minutes into the second half, the Union Co. girls soccer team couldn’t withstand a powerful Rabun Co. offense that outscored the Lady Panthers 4-1 over the final 34 minutes to earn the 8-6 region win Tuesday, March 3, in Blairsville.

Rabun Co. sophomore Willow Fisher and Union Co. freshman Italia Salazar battle for the ball.

Rabun Co. (2-1, 2-0 Region 8-AA) was led by an incredible performance from junior Lauren Barnes. Barnes scored early and often and netted seven total goals in the game.

Union Co. senior Desaray Patterson, left, and Rabun Co. freshman Ana Garcia fight for possession.

The Lady Panthers (0-1, 0-1) were led by senior Desaray Patterson and sophomore Leia Whitener, who scored two goals each in the loss.

Freshman Kaylee Watts added a goal for the Lady Wildcats, while senior Mattison Ruff and freshman Italia Salazar added a goal each for Union Co.

The game was tied at five each in the 59th minute before Rabun Co. exploded for three goals in an eight-minute span to put the game away.

Both teams are slated to play region games next as Union Co. is slated to visit Monticello (2-3) and Rabun Co. is scheduled to host Social Circle (2-4, 0-1). Both games are set for kickoff at 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 6.

The current Region 8-AA standings are: Rabun Co. (2-0), Oglethorpe Co. (1-0), Banks Co. (1-0), Social Circle (0-1), Union Co. (0-1), Elbert Co. (0-2), Monticello (0-0), and Putnam Co. (0-0).

James Wolfe