By Aspen McAdoo
The Ponte Vedra High School girls’ soccer team took home the number one seed in the FHSAA 5A region 1 tournament. The Shark Tank played host to this regional matchup between the Columbia High School Tigers and the Sharks. Starting out strong was a key for the Sharks and they certainly did that scoring multiple goal early on taking an 3-0 lead. Nothing was slowing down the Sharks as they added five more goals in the game and ended an 8-0 mercy rule win in favor of the Sharks. Senior defender, Natalie McCann and freshman midfielder, Annie Wooten each had two goals along with the other dominant offensive Sharks players. The Sharks defense also played outstanding pitching a shutout on the heels of sophomore goalie, Abby Kennedy. This win moves the Sharks onto the Regional semifinals as they will take on the Mosley Dolphins at home in the Shark Tank.
A huge matchup took place in the Shark Tank as the Sharks took on the Mosely Dolphins in the regional semifinals. Nothing was going to stop the Sharks dominant offense as they scored goals earlier from junior forwards, Izzy Whitaker and Lily Morse, Giving them a huge 2-0 lead over the dolphins. The Sharks continued their hot offense adding two more goals before half with Whitaker adding her second goal of the game and sophomore midfielder, Grace Raymond adding her first. The Sharks had a commanding 4-0 lead at the half and looked to keep their foot on the pedal in the second half. In the second half Whitaker got a hattrick for the Sharks as they added two more goals and won the game 6-1. With this win the sharks moved onto to the Regional final against Chiles High School at home in the Shark Tank.
“This is a great opportunity to make history and win back to back state championships.”
Grace raymond (10)
The Regional Finals were being held at the Shark Tank as the Sharks take on a rematch against the Chiles High School Timberwolves. It was a very defensive battle as neither team could get on the board. All of that changed when Whitaker scored the only goal of the game for the Sharks and gave them a 1-0 lead. Sophomore goalie, Abby Kennedy had a fantastic game in goal allowing no goals and racking up 4 saves. The Sharks won the regional championship and will advance to the state semi-finals and look to win back to back state championships.
The Sharks will head down to DeLand, Florida for the FHSAA State Championship Series looking to bring home some hardware. Sophomore midfielder, Grade Raymond said, “This is a great opportunity to make history and win back to back state championships.”
Pictured: Grace Raymond (10) dribbling the ball upfield. Photographed by Alex Fenney (@fenneysflics)
