By Sasha Crowe

   The Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) girls soccer team has made significant progress toward a State Championship medal in the past week. As of Wednesday, Jan. 31, the Sharks are ranked first in Florida and first in the Nation. With an updated record of 17-1-1, the lady Sharks have strong potential for success in the continued post-season.  

   On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Sharks defeated Montverde Academy in their toughest match-up so far. After the game was postponed due to the PVHS field being ‘unfit to play on’, the Sharks lost home-field advantage in their last regular season game of the year. This, however, didn’t stop the girls from dominating the soccer field, as usual. With a score of 3-2 the Sharks were resilient and victorious as they headed to the playoffs. Scoring for the Sharks was junior, Jenny Dearie (1) and sophomore, Natalie Brooks (2). The two teams were incredibly evenly matched, but the Sharks got the job done. “Beating Monteverde was important because it gave us the confidence we needed for the postseason. They were ranked first in the state, and we proved that we could compete at any level,” described senior, Hadley Conway.  

   On Monday, Jan. 29, the PVHS girls knocked off Fleming Island High School (FIHS) in the district semifinal match with a score of 3-0. Sophomore, Lily Morse dominated and scored two goals. Brooks also took charge by scoring one goal to seal the win. Last year, the Sharks were bested by FIHS in the regional semifinal match through a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 tie. “This game was a huge win for us as Fleming took away our chance at states last year. We came back stronger this year and shut out all chances of them scoring,” stated senior defender, Alexa Reinheimer. 

   After the win over FIHS, the Sharks faced rival Nease High School for the District Championship. Another 3-0 win for PVHS was earned and so was the District Championship trophy. Brooks once again shined, scoring one goal, alongside junior, Quinlee Irwin who scored two goals. “We won districts, but our goal doesn’t stop here. We have been working all season towards states and our roster has a ton of depth with so many hard workers who have earned every win,” said Reinheimer.  

   The lady Sharks face Gulf Breeze High School who is seeded eighth on Tuesday, Feb. 13 for the regional quarterfinal game. The girls are hoping for yet another win to bring them closer to their State Championship rings.