The Nauset (9-2-2) and Falmouth (8-4-2) girls soccer teams entered Thursday's Cape and Islands League showdown as two of the area's top contenders, separated by little more than a scoreless draw earlier this season.
This time, the Warriors found the breakthrough they were missing in the first meeting, earning a 2-0 victory behind a disciplined defensive effort and balanced attack.
Freshman Talia Nadeau opened the scoring in the first half after finishing a feed from Caroline Bothfeld, while Eloise MacMillan added an insurance goal in the second half with an impressive solo run through traffic.
Defensively, Nauset was outstanding, led by Maddie Coccoro and a back line that limited Falmouth's potent offense. Emi Valli, Gigi Paravisini, and Peyton Hill also played key roles.
In other high school action:
Girls Soccer
St. John Paul II 3, Monomoy 0: The Lions (3-10-1) celebrated their senior day and honored Emerson Meagher and Ava Boon with a win over the Sharks (0-16).
Alex DePaula scored all three goals with an assist from Mia Medeiros. Meagher, Ariel Thompson, Abby Farmerm, and Serafina Mecca played well, while Ellie Collette earned the shutout in goal.
New Bedford 6, Barnstable 0: The Red Hawks (2-12) have lost their last nine games.
Sturgis East 5, Falmouth Academy 0: The Storm (8-2-1) are unbeaten in their last four games after defeating the Mariners (1-6-1).
Eva McNeil led the scoring with two goals, while Ava Madge, Kiana Stanghellini and Victoria Sassone each added a goal.
Boys Soccer
St. John Paul II 2, Sturgis West 2: The Lions (8-4-3) and Navigators (8-2-2) played to a draw.
Isaiah Stacey scored the opening goal for the Lions with an assist from Migy Armaczuk. Eli Bassil added a second goal off an assist from Max DePaula. Quinn Dillon anchored the Lions’ defense with a strong performance.
New Bedford 6, Barnstable 1: The Red Hawks (4-12-1) lost a road matchup.
Girls Volleyball
Monomoy 3, Cape Tech 0: The Sharks (11-3) have won five of their last six matches as they swept the Crusaders (3-12) 25-23, 25-22, 25-17.
Ella Cutter had 15 assists, three aces, and five digs for Monomoy. Maddy Gray added four kills and three blocks. Jane Pillsbury had four kills, three aces, and eight digs.
Courtney Jacobs is the Sports Editor for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at cjacobs@capecodonline.com and follow him on X: @coolinwithCJ.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Nauset shuts out Falmouth in battle of girls soccer contenders