Girls Soccer advances to states

After defeating Palm Harbor, Girls Soccer advances to the State Finals striving to bring a championship to Newsome

Matt Tucker, Sports Editor

Newsome Girls Soccer has a reputation for always bringing their A game and being a threat to take the State Title, this year has been no exception. After defeating Palm Harbor 2-1, the girls have advanced to the State Finals.

On the way to the State Finals the girls showed their resiliency, knocking out Palm Harbor, who eliminated the girls last year. According to the girls getting revenge was a sweet feeling. “It feels so amazing!” said Junior Goaltender Madison Rowe. “It shows how far that the team has come. Along with the fact that we got revenge on the team that knocked us out last year is awesome.”

Senior Sweeper Shayna Zajac was ecstatic with the win. “It feels good to come back and get revenge against them, winning Regionals was definitely a big accomplishment for our team. Now we’re just focusing on States.”

When teams play on such a big stage, leadership is crucial. Zajac said, “Setting an example for this team is a big aspect. As a senior, you have to put your all out there on the field because you never really know when the last time you step on the field is.”

Leadership comes from more than just players, as Coach Townsend has done a great job preparing the girls all season. “Sprints, on sprints, on sprints!” said Zajac. While Rowe added “She knows how to get us to where we can mentally focus and push through. She has gone over plays with us and fixed our weak spots. She is an awesome coach and always prepares us for what’s coming.”

This is the farthest Newsome has advanced since the 2011 season and Rowe believes there’s a reason for that. “The team has always been tight knit, but I believe this team is different from past teams. Everyone has so much heart and wants the State Title so bad, it’s inspiring. Were there for each other off the field, we are a family and I know I can lean on them for anything.”

Unfortunately the girls lost to Lourdes Academy (Miami) on February 5 which ended the girls strong run. The girls finished the season with a 19-3-2 record.