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In the net. . .

By KELLIE DIXON and DAVID MURPHY
Published December 20, 2006

Stingy defense

The Springstead girls have posted 13 shutouts en route to claiming their second Class 4A, District 8 regular-season title under coach Polo Furlong.

The Eagles, led by goalkeeper Jennifer DeFrancesco, have allowed 19 goals in 20 games.

Furlong said DeFrancesco, a junior, communicates well with sweeper Jackie Holtje and the rest of the defense. DeFrancesco has 91 saves this season.

"(DeFrancesco) directs them where to go, who to cover and she controls the defense," Furlong said. "She talks to them because she sees the whole picture completely."

Furlong added that DeFrancesco has excellent reflexes when stopping penalty kicks. As a sophomore playing junior varsity, she gave up two goals in 12 games. Both were penalty kicks. This season she has stopped one.

Springstead must defeat Central and Nature Coast to claim the conference championship.

Springstead took first in the district while Hudson finished second. Zephyrhills, Gulf, Pasco, Nature Coast, Hernando and South Sumter round out the last five spots. The district tournament starts Jan. 15.

Good news for Bears

Central rebounded from a district loss to Wesley Chapel, beating Hernando 4-1 Friday. Hernando played only 11 because only 11 showed up at practice the day before, which Leopards coach Anthony Miziko said has been a problem all season.

Long holiday

The Sharks played their last game before winter break Tuesday night against Wesley Chapel. Nature Coast is 1-10. Garrett Karp leads the team with eight goals.

[Last modified December 20, 2006, 06:31:31]