The Lady Patriots of Sullivan East arrived at Citizens Bank Stadium Tuesday night ready to battle, but the Lady Cyclones found their rhythm late and closed strong to secure a 3–1 win.
Starting Out Strong
Elizabethton wasted no time getting on the board. Just minutes in, Arvella Nave broke free from midfield and delivered a spectacular solo goal to give Betsy the early advantage. Sullivan East quickly settled in, tightening their defensive shape and applying pressure on the Lady Cyclones' midfielders.
Lady Patriots Strike Back
Midway through the first half, Sullivan East was able to capitalize on a rebound to equalize things at 1–1. The Lady Patriots carried momentum into halftime, keeping Elizabethton from regaining the lead despite several attacking pushes.
Lady Cyclones Find Their Footing
The second half opened with both squads struggling to finish chances. Shots sailed wide, crosses went unfinished, and goalkeepers stood tall to keep the score even. But persistence finally paid off when Izzy Lewis charged down the sideline and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Isla Grindstaff calmly tapped it home to put the Lady Cyclones back in front.
Elizabethton Finishes Strong
With their confidence growing, the Lady Cyclones controlled possession the rest of the way. Defensive anchors like Aubrey Szabo and Maddie Stanberry shut down Sullivan East's counterattacks, while the attack pressed for more. The insurance goal came late as Lewis again blazed down the line, this time firing a cross that bent perfectly into the upper corner of the net.
Final Score: Elizabethton 3, Sullivan East 1
Despite a gritty defensive effort from the Lady Patriots, the Cyclones' second-half surge proved decisive. Behind standout performances from Nave, Lewis, Grindstaff, and Camdyn Garland, Elizabethton strung together two clutch goals after the break to earn a comfortable 3–1 victory.
With the win, Elizabethton improves to 4-2 on the year, and are now 2-0 in conference play. The Lady Cyclones will be back in action this weekend, taking part in the Blue Ridge Classic at Providence Academy. They will square off against Chuckey-Doak at 4 PM Friday, and will take on Lakeway Christian Academy at 9 AM Saturday.
