Ray, St. Augustine wear down Hurricanes

By DAWN REISS
Published January 27, 2006

INVERNESS - St. Augustine fired on Citrus' goal until the shots started falling enough for a 3-1 victory Thursday.

Citrus (13-5-2) held its own for a time, using its three-forward front to penetrate into St. Augustine territory.

"They were physical," St. Augustine coach Dave Silverberg said. "And any 50/50 ball, they pretty much won up front."

The Yellow Jackets tried everything to draw out defenders, while using their speed to pursue and precisely pass. Sophomore Laura Ray even tried an unsuccessful bicycle kick.

The shots just weren't falling, despite St. Augustine taking 12 in the first half to Citrus' two. After eight or so minutes, St. Augustine (18-2-2) took control by using its strong midfield to attack and push forward as Citrus goalie Kelsey Keating braced herself for every incoming shot, all 19 of them. That's when Ray dribbled through traffic and expertly placed a long pass in front of junior midfielder Alessa Smolek to score an open shot on goal. Ray added two goals on assists from Meridith Davis and Smolek, bringing her total to 50 goals for the season before getting a yellow card for talking back to an official.

True to form, Citrus came alive in the second half, pressuring St. Augustine by more than tripling their shots on goal. It was a freshman who helped the senior-laden team get on the scoreboard, with an Erica Stanley goal off a Kayla Nelson pass.

This was the second straight year Citrus has made the playoffs. The 'Canes, who have won back-to-back district titles, advanced to the region semifinals last year after defeating Zephyrhills.

"To get here was exciting, but in a way, it was kind of been there done that," Nelson said. "Last year we won first round of regionals, and we were all excited to do it again, but unfortunately it didn't come through tonight."

ST. AUGUSTINE - Nease recorded its fourth consecutive shutout, dismantling visiting Lecanto 6-0.

"It took us a little time to get going, but we didn't get frustrated," Nease coach Dave Silverberg said. "We stuck with our game plan and were able to wear them down."

Lecanto became the seventh team Nease has blanked it its last eight games, all Nease wins.

Nease (23-2-2) held Lecanto (14-5-2) without a shot and barely allowed the ball to be played on its side of the field.

On offense, Nease peppered the Panthers with 20 shots.

"In my 18 years, that's the best team I've ever seen," Lecanto coach Kevin Towne said. "The ball movement was unbelievable and they don't have a weak spot. We played hard, but were just outmatched tonight."

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified January 27, 2006, 01:22:12]