Off to State: Ashley girls soccer hoping 3rd time’s the charm

May 29, 2025

Colton Emswiler,

Ashley Gsoc1 — (Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — After settling for silver the last two years, the Eagles have their eyes set on gold.

Ashley girls soccer will play in the Class 4A championship game for the third year in a row after losing the previous two.

This time around, the group is closer than ever before.

“We all just have the same goals in mind,” senior Maryn Harris said. “We all have the passion to do our best individually and play our best for our teammates as well. I think that’s been the main consistent thing throughout these three years. We all just work as hard as we possibly can. I think that’s what sets us different than a lot of other teams.”

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

While making it this far three years in a row may seem easy, the road to state was anything but. The Eagles needed a 6-5 double overtime win as well as a road victory over top-seeded Hoggard to make it.

One word best describes the team’s efforts this season.

“Community,” senior Morgan Tucker said. “This season is different. The vibe is different. Everyone is so connected. We’re all friends, we’re all close. Though we always pick each other back up and stand up for each other, this team is not like other teams in the past years. We always just want to win for each other.”

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

Ashley will face Ardrey Kell for the title, who is the same school that beat them in the finals two years ago. Ending the streak to the same team that started it adds a lot of motivation for the Eagles.

“Absolutely, I think it’s a great fire to our team,” senior Madi Hallenbeck said. “We’re going into with respect and competition. Hard work and grit and talent. Ardrey Kell is very talented, but so are we. It’s a great opportunity again. We are definitely going to be at 110-percent no matter what.”