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LAURA LEEThe Spartans are undaunted about facing top-ranked Riviera Beach Suncoast, a team that has not given up a goal.
ST. PETERSBURG - Expectations can come true, and Lakewood coach Darlene Lebo's anticipation that the Spartans would meet Riviera Beach Suncoast sometime in the postseason was right on.
Lebo started doing her homework early because she didn't want her team to be taken off guard about playing the state's top-ranked squad, which is undefeated and hasn't allowed a goal all season. She made sure the Spartans knew Suncoast returned most of the team that lost 1-0 to Land O'Lakes in last year's Class 2A state championship.
"We know what their record is, and even with that we can't get scared about that," Lakewood junior forward Abbie Harms said. "We can't let ourselves get down about that. We're getting pumped up to play this game."
The Spartans, who play host to Suncoast today in a Class 4A, Region 4 semifinal, were loose at practice Monday.
"We're walking in with a great attitude," Lebo said. "Look at what a great opportunity we have to be the first team to score against this team all year, even better, to be the first team to beat them."
The Spartans think it's possible. Suncoast has had its share of 8-0 and 7-0 games, and so has Lakewood. But the Chargers have had a few close ones, too.
The Spartans have been slowly gaining momentum. In Thursday's 5-2 quarterfinal win over Fort Myers Riverdale, Lakewood says it played its cleanest, most technically sound game. The only problem was outshooting Riverdale 35-2 and finishing with just six goals. "We couldn't pay it to go in," Lebo said.
With 23 consecutive Charger shutouts, the Spartans know there won't be many scoring opportunities. Harms and sophomore Michelle Marshall, who have combined for more than 50 goals, will pressure Riviera Beach.
"I just hope someone on the team can (score)," Harms said. "Only one will do."
The defense will have to be at its best to make sure the game doesn't get away from the Spartans. Sweeper Ashley Black, stopper Melissa Milroy and first-year goalkeeper Julie Jaime will be pressed against a Suncoast attack led by senior forward and University of Florida signee Ashley Harris.
"The challenge is there," Lebo said. "You've just got to hope the kids can step up and play the game of their lives."