Deaton, Ramirez combine for 8 goals in playoff win

Mount Airy advanced to the second round of the 1A State Playoffs by topping East Wilkes 9-0 on May 13.

The Granite Bears went home three minutes early, just beating out the rain, after Paola Ramirez scored the team’s ninth goal in the 77th minute. Ramirez’s late strike was her fourth goal of the evening; she and Kate Deaton combined for eight of Mount Airy’s nine goals in the playoff victory.

Mount Airy completed a season sweep of East Wilkes with Monday’s win. The Granite Bears previously topped their Northwest 1A Conference foe 7-0 on April 15 and 9-0 on May 2.

The No. 6 Bears (15-5-2) faced early resistance from the Cardinals. While Mount Airy maintained possession for most of the half, East fired a pair of threatening looks in the first 20 minutes — one that sailed just north of the crossbar, and one that was saved by Lacey Taylor — while also making some key stops on defense.

Mount Airy found the back of the net for the first time in the eighth minute. Deaton sent a pass from midfield up to Ramirez, who cut back before creating a look from just outside the 18-yard box. The Bears duo nearly replicated the scoring play six minutes later, but Ramirez’s shot hit the crossbar. The rebound landed at the feet of Carrie Marion who had her shot saved, then Laura Livengood's shot was deflected over the end line.

Ramirez found the back of the net two minutes later off an assist from Sabrina Brown.

Deaton and Ramirez added a pair of goals in the span of five minutes to increase Mount Airy’s lead to 4-0. Deaton struck in the 26th minute after weaving through traffic and firing a shot from the corner of the 18, then Avayah Wall assisted Ramirez to complete the senior’s hat trick in the 31st minute. Ramirez returned the favor shortly after by assisting Wall.

Deaton nearly scored on corner kick in the 37th minute, then converted on another corner two minutes later to make it 6-0 entering the break.

Mount Airy out-shot No. 27 East Wilkes 15-2 in the half.

Deaton opened the second half by completing her hat trick in the 46th minute. Deaton scored again in the 33rd minute, then Ramirez ended the game early by scoring off an assist from Livengood.

Monday’s match marked Mount Airy’s ninth shutout win of the season.

Mount Airy will host No. 22 Bradford Prep on May 16. The Bradford Bears advanced to the Round of 32 by topping No. 11 South Davidson 7-1.

The winner of Mount Airy and Bradford Prep will take on the winner of No. 3 Uwharrie Charter (14-5) and No. 14 Cornerstone Charter (16-3).