CCC starts looking to next year

Though Pope John Paul ends their state hopes with a 3-1 win, the Marauders expect their returning talent to take them far next season.

By JEFF BERLINICKE
Published February 12, 2005

CLEARWATER - Though the loss hurt, Clearwater Central Catholic may have learned a lesson in falling 3-1 Friday to Pope John Paul II in the region final.

Last season Pope relied on its many juniors and went deep into the postseason before losing in the state final. CCC had only three seniors this season and will be loaded with veteran experience next year.

Just as Pope last season, the Marauders expect to learn from the loss.

"We're already starting to build on next year," CCC coach Tom Typrowicz said. "We'll build on this and be better for it. We left our hearts on the field and we're looking forward to next year."

Senior Jenna Stevens scored and added an assist as the Eagles (18-4-3) advanced to the state final four.

The Eagles jumped to a 1-0 lead late in the first half when Carolina Agostinelli took a crossing pass from Jenna Stevens and fired a point-blank shot past CCC goalkeeper Becky Thompson.

CCC (14-6-6) tied it less than a minute later when Alison Halverson took a pass from Samantha Freedman and fired over Pope goalkeeper Kirsi Keenan.

Both teams wasted scoring opportunities early in the second half. Stevens had a breakaway early in the half, but Allison Thomas came out of nowhere to break it up for CCC before Stevens got the shot off.

Minutes later, Ashley Wall raced down the right side and had an open shot for CCC, but it banged off the crossbar.

CCC struggled on corner kicks, missing on nine opportunities.

"We started strong," Typrowicz said. "We just couldn't make our corner kicks. We let them get into a rhythm and we couldn't capitalize when we had the chance."

Stevens finally gave Pope the lead with a bullet from 30 yards out late in the second half. From that point, the Eagles dominated possession and wrapped it up late in regulation when Brittany Burkhart stole an errant pass near midfield and drove to the goal alone, scoring to make it 3-1.

CCC had one more chance when Halverson had a direct kick, but the ball sailed just over the goal.

From that point, Pope continued to control the ball and the clock, holding CCC to only one shot down the stretch.

[Last modified February 12, 2005, 00:25:13]