Not only did Auslander and her teammates hope to defeat visiting Wakefield, but the Falcons’ leading scorer wanted to win one for coach Abby Mead.

Mead, a grad student at UNC-Chapel Hill who serves as co-head coach along with Ashley Ruppert, is leaving for a school-related trip to Africa and will not be able to see the remainder of the playoffs.

Auslander and the Falcons (14-3) did not disappoint, as they jumped out to an 11-0 lead and cruised to a 20-5 victory over the Wolverines.

“We wanted to win it for coach Mead,” said Auslander, who totaled five goals and five assists. “We’ve been working so hard on moving the ball and transition, and it really came together.”

Mead agreed and said the entire season the girls have prepared to compete in the postseason against the likes of Hoggard, Cardinal Gibbons and conference rival Apex.

“I’m just hoping everything comes together for our girls, who are extremely excited and fired up,” Mead said. “I’m going to miss them.”

Green Hope, which has lost only to Apex and East Chapel Hill this season, dominated the ground balls and overpowered Wakefield with precision passing and team speed.

Senior Taylor Morrison scored four goals for the Falcons, while co-captain Rachel Chapla, Julie Hagan and Campbell Stanley each added three. Morrison, Chapla and co-captain Katie Murphy each finished with two assists for Green Hope.

Lauren Koonce led the Wolverines (9-7) with three goals, while goalkeepers Stephanie Hershaft and Amanda Penwell combined for nine saves.

Green Hope will play at Wilmington’s Hoggard High (14-1) on Tuesday. Last season, Hoggard defeated the Falcons in the playoffs on its way to an appearance in the state championship game.

Other scores Panther Creek ended its season with a first-round loss at Chapel Hill by the 17-6 score. The Catamounts ended their season 6-9 overall. It was the school's first playoff appearance.