Raiders too much for PHU to handle

Powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas wins its 10th title with a 3-0 decision.

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published February 20, 2005

FORT LAUDERDALE - Baby steps.

That's the term Palm Harbor University coach John Planamenta used to describe his program's progress after Saturday's 3-0 loss to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in the Class 5A final at Lockhart Stadium. A year ago, the Hurricanes lost in the state semifinals. This time, they came within a victory of claiming the program's first title in five years.

"This is encouraging," Planamenta said.

St. Thomas kept Palm Harbor U. from taking a leap. Then again, the Raiders aren't your ordinary program. Not even close. Saturday's championship upped their total - already a state best - to 10. The squad is nationally ranked and arguably the best in Florida, regardless of classification.

"I can't say enough about the girls," Planamenta said.

Still, Palm Harbor U. wanted this one. And for the first 20 minutes, it appeared as though the Hurricanes had a chance. During one 10-minute stretch, Palm Harbor U. forcefully attacked the St. Thomas Aquinas net, but came away empty each time. A shot attempt by forward Courtney Whidden was stopped by a diving keeper. Another attempt missed high by inches.

"I think for the first 20 minutes we pretty much dominated them," PHU forward Annie Stalzer said.

It was the next 60 that did the 'Canes in.

At times, St. Thomas Aquinas (29-3) looked unstoppable, controlling the tempo, possessing the ball and giving PHU (18-3-1) players little room to roam. Michelle McIntyre's header in the 27th minute gave the Raiders a 1-0 lead and Lauren Bresnahan followed with another score eight minutes later.

"That second goal took a lot out of us," Planamenta said.

Had Palm Harbor capitalized earlier, the score could have been closer.

Then again, it could have been worse, too. Though they were blitzed throughout the night, give Palm Harbor U.'s defense credit for keeping things close. St. Thomas finished the season with 164 goals and has firepower at every position. Palm Harbor U. outshot the Raiders 17-14, but St. Thomas Aquinas seemed to have more legitimate scoring opportunities. Many were thwarted by the Hurricanes.

"It was stressful," 'Canes keeper Victoria Wyandt said. "They were a lot faster than I expected."

The title was the second straight for St. Thomas Aquinas, which has reached the semifinals 17 times. The Raiders improved to 10-2 in championship matches. Palm Harbor was seeking its third title.

As St. Thomas Aquinas players celebrated on the opposite end of the field, Planamenta called him team together. He praised the players' effort and emphatically told them to be proud. He closed by pointing to the Raiders and offering this: "Next year, we want to be over there."

[Last modified February 20, 2005, 00:54:14]