Before Newton's match against Stephenson Tuesday, coach Nilesh Patel decided it was time to make a change in net.

Patel inserted junior varsity keeper Keandrea Scarebrook, who came up with the Lady Rams only shutout of the season. Newton defeated Stephenson 4-0 for its first victory of the season - a Region 2-AAAAA win, nonetheless.

"It was very assuring," Patel said. "We still have a chance to make the playoffs if we continue to win our region games."

Patel said Stephenson was closer to the level of Newton's girls' team, which could have scored even more than four, the Lady Rams' highest scoring total this season.

"We could have scored more but I had to make sure everybody got a chance to play," Patel said.

Lacey Bracket scored twice for Newton and Precious Buddington and Daniel Stabile added a goal each. But it was Scarebrook and the Lady Rams' defense who helped Newton pick u its first win.

Newton had allowed eight, 10, six and 10 goals in its previous four games before inserting Scarebrook into the starting lineup. Scarebrook had seen action in the Lady Rams 10-0 loss at Walnut Grove on March 2 and their 8-0 loss at Locust Grove on March 9.

Patel decided to move the junior up to varsity because of her play at the junior varsity level, her 6-foot-2 height and her fearlessness in the net.

"She was doing well, (in J.V. games), that's why we thought to give her a shot, and we were playing better and better," Patel said.

Following the victory, the Newton players were excited for their first win since March 30.

"The girls were all excited and exhilarated for their first win," Patel said. "Everybody gave 100 percent and everybody got a chance to play. I was very pleased to see that."

The Newton boys' team fell to Stephenson 1-0. Newton faces West Lake today.

Around the county
Alcovy boys soccer lost its fourth straight, falling to Woodland 4-1 on Tuesday, and the Lady Tigers won their second straight, beating Woodland 3-1. The Tigers play at Ola today.

The Eastside boys' team won its fourth straight, defeating Eagles Landing 2-1 on Tuesday. The girls' fell 5-1, and both teams play at Newton Saturday. In baseball action, Newton defeated Langston Hughes 15-3 on Tuesday,. The Rams play at East Coweta today.