By Aspen McAdoo

   It’s playoff time for the Sharks girls’ soccer team as they host the FHSAA 5A District 4 tournament in the Shark Tank. The Sharks took on the Englewood Rams in the semifinals of the district tournament. They looked to get back from their two straight loses and pick up a major win in the playoffs. The Sharks looked like they were on a mission in this game and they didn’t let up. The Rams were no match for the Sharks as they scored 10 goals in the first half ending the game in a mercy rule only playing one half. Everyone got in on the scoring as the most goals scored by a player was only one, meaning 10 players each scored a goal. Sophomore forward, Katie DeVincientis and junior forward, Lily Morse led the team to this monstrous win. Even the Sharks sophomore goalie, Abby Kennedy got in on the scoring and propelled them to the district finals against Beachside.

   The district finals were held in the Shark Tank as the Sharks took on the Beachside Barracudas looking to bring home some hardware. This win would secure a spot in the regional tournament if the Sharks were able to bring home a win. It was a slow start for both teams as no goals were accumulated in the first half, with a 0-0 tie at halftime. It was going to be a tough battle in the second half and that proved to be so. Until Morse added a huge goal for the Sharks on the assist from junior midfielder, Lila Jones giving the Sharks a 1-0 advantage. Great defense from the Sharks held off any Barracudas attack and great play from Kennedy held the shutout. The Sharks brought home some hardware winning the district championship.

   Junior goalie, Valentina McIntosh said, “We were prepared and confident heading into these games and were extra motivated to win so we wouldn’t disappoint the seniors.” The Sharks will likely be the one seed heading into the regional tournament and look to win back to back state championships.

Pictured: Taylor McKeon (11) looking to take a shot on goal. Photographed by Alex Fenney (@fenneysflics)