Best friends form a bond that carries over to field for Greenhill

ADDISON – Greenhill coach Paige Ashley immediately noticed the bond Ashley Rape and Molly Mack – her two star players – shared when they participated at a school soccer camp nine years ago.

"Even back then they wanted to partner up," said Ashley, who is in her 11th season at Greenhill.

Not much has changed. Rape and Mack remain the closest of friends. Their chemistry has translated into success for Greenhill, which is going for a third straight SPC Division I title.

"They have a sixth sense where each other is going to be," Ashley said. "There's a certain amount of trust in their relationship. Molly knows that Ashley is going to be marked closely on corners, but they still think they can get it done."

Rape and Mack are fourth-year varsity starters and are committed to Duke. Rape plays in the midfield, and Mack is a forward. Rape is a two-time Parade All-American and is a member of the Under-17 national team.

For the last two seasons, Greenhill has done most of its damage on set pieces. Mack sets the ball into play, usually looking for Rape to knock it in. Mack has assisted on 18 of Rape's goals (15 on corner kicks). Rape has assisted on three of Mack's scores.

That connection paid off big two years ago when Rape headed in a corner kick from Mack in a 1-0 victory against Hockaday in the SPC final.

Rape came to Greenhill in second grade, and Mack was assigned to be her "buddy" on her first day. They've rarely been apart since.

They played on the same club teams until they were 14. They live blocks apart in North Dallas, and their families have gone on trips together. It's no surprise that they will be roommates at Duke.

"She's so reliable and loyal," Mack said. "I don't need to see her every day to know that she's my best friend."

KEY DATES

Monday – First day TAPPS schools may begin games

Feb. 8-9, 2008 – SPC winter championships, Houston

Feb. 9 – First day of TAPPS playoffs

Feb. 22-23 – TAPPS state tournament, Waco

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