CFA drops title game to Davidson Day School in PK’s

May 18, 2025

Colton Emswiler,

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – In Saturday’s NCISAA 3A girls soccer championship game, hosting Cape Fear Academy lost to Davidson Day school in penalty kicks.

The Hurricanes game up an early goal to the Patriots after Bella Franklin cashed in a rebound opportunity, but CFA Head Coach Meade McFarlane wasn’t fazed.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

“We felt that was early,” McFarlane said. “That was like seven minutes into the game. So there was still 70 minutes left. We felt there was a lot of time. Just got a short memory. Let’s get the ball out of the goal, throw it out there, let’s keep playing. It’s just always next play, next play, next play for our girls.”

Soon after, the home side netted an equalizer when Claire Furmidge’s long shot found the back of the net. The sophomore scored both CFA goals in their semifinal win and has felt the need to step up her game in the biggest games of the year.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

“We came here last year and we did fall, so we really wanted to make it back,” Furmidge said. “That kept me motivated for the two goals in the last game. In this game, I saw that the goalie was a little out, so I decided to shoot then and it went in.”

It would remain 1-1 throughout regulation and overtime, sending the game to penalty kicks. McFarlane said they were ready if it came down to it.

“That’s our first penalty this year, but we spend a lot of time on it,” McFarlane said. “It just comes down to the randomness of a penalty kick.”

With Davidson Day leading by one going into the final round, Ava Pasquantonio’s shot was saved by Isabel Siefert to close the game and give the Patriots the title.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

Cape Fear Academy will only graduate one senior and looks to build towards a promising future.

“I think our program’s going to get even stronger next year,” Furmidge said. “We have a lot of new players coming in. I think we’ll continue to grow altogether.”