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The Panthers' quickness gives Lakewood trouble in its first state semifinal since 1998.
By RODNEY PAGE, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 23, 2002
TAMPA -- So much for Lakewood's 10-year plan.
The Spartans, state champions in 1992, were hoping 2002 would bring the same result. But St. Augustine Nease dashed those hopes with a convincing 4-1 win in the semifinals Friday at the Ed Radice Sports Complex.
Nease (26-2-1) will play Gulf Breeze today in the championship game. Lakewood, making its first appearance in the final four since 1998, ends its season 19-7-1.
"They were very quick," Lakewood coach Darlene Lebo said.
"Honestly, in the first 20 minutes I think we were a little dumbfounded because we haven't seen quickness like that."
Nease has been running through teams all season. It has recorded 17 shutouts and outscored opponents 165-21.
The game actually started positively for the Spartans. They managed to keep the ball in the offensive half and had some shots on goal. But momentum switched in the ninth minute when the Panthers scored on their first shot on goal.
Emily Wofford dribbled to the far right corner of the field and crossed 10 yards in front of the goal. Danielle Mullen headed the ball into the ground. It then bounced over keeper Ashley Klemme and into the goal.
From there, Nease kept the pressure on for the rest of the half. In the 28th minute, the Panthers scored again, when Lydia Sturgis placed a perfect corner kick to Suzy McGuffin. McGuffin headed the ball from five yards into the right corner.
"They were very fast on the wing," Lakewood midfielder Jenny Borschel said. "Our players couldn't keep up with them."
That was apparent in the 39th minute, when Sturgis broke free 30 yards from the goal and angled a left-footed shot from five yards into the left corner. Nease had a 3-0 lead at halftime.
The second half started as more of the same. Nease scored in the 42nd minute, when Meredith Ringeisen finished a perfect cross from Sturgis 5 yards from the goal. Sturgis had a goal and two assists and has 34 goals and 45 assists this season.
Lakewood kept plugging along and was rewarded with 22 minutes remaining. Morgan Roy kicked a high line-drive free kick from 35 yards that redirected off Borschel's knee and beat reserve keeper Leslie Rimer.
"We tied them in the second half, which is at least something we can take away from this game," Lebo said.
"We really didn't play our game today. We weren't as physical as we usually are. But even if we play our best, I'm not sure we beat this team."