Girls soccer regional tournaments

By Times staff writers
Published January 26, 2006

CLASS 6A

WHO: Durant (10-5-5) at St. Petersburg (14-2)

OUTLOOK: Durant fought off injuries and inexperience to gain a spot in the region tournament. Now the Cougars will rely on skilled offensive players Gabi Rivera and Lisa Hayman to try to move to the next round. Durant is a deep squad but with as many as eight freshmen seeing playing time, lack of experience is a reality.

WHO: Sickles (13-1-2) at Sarasota Riverview (18-3-4)

OUTLOOK: A region semifinalist last year, Sickles has lost just three matches the past two seasons. Still, the Gryphons were upset this season in the district final by a physical St. Petersburg team and the Gryphons find themselves on the road. Led by sophomore forward Sara Lockler on offense and senior defender Caitlin Howard, chances are the Gryphons won't underestimate any opponent.

CLASS 5A

OUTLOOK: The Wolves were state semifinalists last season in Class 4A and return a strong squad for this year's playoffs. A balanced team, Newsome gets great goaltending from freshman Kendall Graham (allowed just below a goal per game). Newsome has started as many as four freshmen during the season, but is led by outstanding senior Tara McCluskey and junior Megan Dodd.

WHO: Land O'Lakes (15-8-2) at Bloomingdale (20-1-1)

OUTLOOK: A perennial power, Bloomingdale is a regular attendee in the region playoffs. With its lone loss coming during Thanksgiving weekend, the Bulls have played airtight defense this season and have relied on the playmaking skills of Kelsey Primiano, Lia Hughes and Marissa Kazbour. The Bulls are favored here and should go a long way in the playoffs.

WHO: Plant (9-7-3) at Palm Harbor University (15-1)

OUTLOOK: Plant has played well throughout the season but suffered bouts of inconsistency on offense. Still, the Panthers have an above average defense and solid players in goaltender Chelsea Hearne and senior forwards Rachel Johnson and Lydia Moore. Plant will face a stiff challenge in PHU, which advanced to the state title match a season ago. If Plant pulls off the victory, it might be considered the bay area's upset of the season.

WHO: East Lake (14-5) at Hillsborough (11-3-2)

OUTLOOK: Back in the regionals after misfiring last season, Hillsborough has been outstanding this year. The Terriers amassed 19 goals in three district contests and are backed by a defense that gave up just 14 goals in 16 games this season. Seniors Katya Zulaica and Stephanie Luster and junior Sara Belsole lead the offense.

CLASS 2A

OUTLOOK: In Paige Goodwin and Jessica Peterson, Tampa Prep have two of the top scorers in the county. Add in Taylor Richardson and Kwynn Kirkhuff, who had a hat trick in the district final, and the Terrapins' offense looks downright scary. This was the Terrapins' first district title in girls soccer since 1994.

WHO: Cambridge (18-4-1) at Shorecrest Prep (16-3-2)

OUTLOOK: Cambridge is a solid all-around team that just couldn't solve the riddle that was Tampa Prep this season, falling to the Terrapins three times. Now the Lancers must regroup and deal with a Shorecrest team it lost 5-1 to three weeks ago. Could be the end for the Lancers.

Compiled by Times staff writer Scott Purks and correspondent Rod Gipson.

[Last modified January 26, 2006, 01:02:16]