Lakewood played at home against North Duplin Wednesday night, losing the match 0-1.

Now with only two games remaining in the season, Lakewood is in a three-way tie for second place in the conference.

“We’re going to keep playing and doing what we’re doing,” said Coach Jay Faircloth. “This game, we did some good things we did some bad and all it takes is one mistake to begin a domino effect.”

Lakewood played more aggressively than they did against Hobbton, but were unable to score after North Duplin scored in the first half. They did however prevent the Rebels from scoring anymore during the second half and came close to scoring more than once, but lacked the offensive edge they needed to turn the game around.

This loss came after a 1-0 victory over Princeton the night before.

“We played a full game against Princeton last time — I think they were pretty worn out tonight and that got into the game,” Faircloth noted. “You get out there, you’re tired, things aren’t going your way and you get frustrated and start making mistakes. Still we’re a young team; we weren’t expected to get more than two victories this season and we have eight, so I’m pretty proud of them.”

The game stats were: Hector Vanegas, 4 steals; Logan Thomas, one shot and six steals; Erick Garcia, six steals; Carlos Estrada, one shot and nine steals; Yiovanni Rosas, three shots and eight steals; Reid Jackson, two steals; Jorge Romirez, 10 steals; Jason Valera, five steals; Rafael Pena, two shots with two steals; Edwin Vanegas, two shots with eight steals and Austin Hale, two steals.

Lakewood’s final home game of the conference will be against Rosewood Monday and their final game will be away against Neuse Charter Oct. 25.

Lakewood’s Jorge Ramirez kicks one away with defenders trailing him.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_HHSsoc.jpgLakewood’s Jorge Ramirez kicks one away with defenders trailing him.

Carlos Estrada goes toe to toe with a North Duplin player, looking for the pass.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_HHSsoc1.jpgCarlos Estrada goes toe to toe with a North Duplin player, looking for the pass.

By Chris Froat

Sports Writer

Reach Chris Froat at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.