Arendell Parrott soccer bounces back from first loss, continues hot start

Arendell Parrott coach Shivar Parson talks to the team after the Patriots’ 10-1 victory over Harrells Christian Wednesday. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

A minor setback didn’t stop Arendell Parrott Wednesday.

One day after suffering their first loss of the season, the Patriots bounced back with a 10-1 victory against Harrells Christian. APA (4-1) had 10 players score points, recovering from a 2-1 road defeat to Fayetteville Academy to go up 7-0 at halftime in its friendly confines Wednesday.

“We’ve been playing really well lately,” Patriots coach Shivar Person said. “We didn’t play as well (Tuesday) but we’ve had a little joke that nobody wants to play us coming off of a loss. We were focused in this one and our goal was to make everyone look at the loss (against Fayetteville Academy) as a fluke.”

Alex Melk led Wednesday’s scoring charge with four goals and three assists, spearheading an APA attack currently averaging 6.6 goals per contest.

“We’ve been sharing the ball really well and playing unselfish,” Melk said.

Gabby Carriere and Madison Thigpen scored their first career goals Wednesday, with Annabelle Averette, Gisell Cervantes, Brooke Holmes and Lindsey Thomas also scoring. Thigpen added an assist, along with Megan Blair, Mary Helen Hood and Holland Killinger.

Cervantes, who transferred from Greene Central after a 30-goal, 20-assist season as a freshman, said the chemistry hasn’t been tough to build at APA.

“The relationships we’ve built off the court have helped translate well on the court,” Cervantes said. “Everyone’s been positive and the energy’s played a big part to our success.”

Overall, Carriere said she’ has high hopes for the team this season.

“Everything is positive with this team,” Carriere said. “The energy is really good and we’ve built good relationships — so far it’s shown on the field.”