Carolina Simpkins makes a save for Western Harnett.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Western Harnett’s varsity girls soccer team took a 3-0 shutout win at Tri-County Six 3-A Conference and Harnett County rival Triton on the Hawks’ Senior Night on Wednesday.

“Remotivating them,” said Western Harnett girls soccer coach Jesse Hinsley. “It was a tough couple of games, but we’re pulling it back out and they’re getting much better every day. They’re getting a lot better being in sync.

“We have a freshman-heavy team, so it’s been a little bit of a struggle at the beginning of the season, but I think we’re finally getting in sync.”

Triton girls soccer coach Brian Foster said falling behind early was costly for the Hawks.

“We played a lot better in the second half,” Foster said. “We really did. We just got too far behind. And when you miss penalty kicks and hit crossbars and stuff like that, it just wouldn’t go in. Just unlucky, but still a great Senior Night.”

Sophomore Savannah Whiteman had two goals and junior Jaiden Stratton had one goal for the Eagles (3-5, 2-4 TCSC).

Junior goalkeeper Carolina Simpkins posted the clean sheet in goal for Western, recording 11 saves in the process.

“We’re very fortunate to have her, that’s for sure,” Hinsley said.

Prior to the game, Triton (4-4, 2-4) honored eight seniors: Haydyn Miller, Billie Kate Pope, Kyndall Thomas, Elizabeth Lopez, Kemiah McDuffie, Jenna Roberts, Sheila Hernandez and Peyton Briggs.

Triton is at home against Lee County and Western Harnett travels to conference and county rival Harnett Central on Thursday.

“We have to stay motivated.” Hinsley said. “Stay motivated, keep the injuries at bay and just keep talking. That’s the biggest thing is they need to focus on talking, passing and communicating on the field.”

Carleigh Parker gains control for the Hawks on Wednesday evening.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Savannah Whiteman scores for Western Harnett.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Jaiden Stratton gets a goal for the visiting Eagles.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Hannah Thomas makes a play on Wednesday for Triton.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Triton seniors, from left, are Billie Kate Pope, Sheila Hernandez, Haydyn Miller, coach Brian Foster, assistant Levi Thomas, Jenna Roberts, Peyton Briggs, Elizabeth Lopez and Kemiah McDuffie. Not pictured is Kyndall Thomas. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)