Eagles glad for new shot at 'Canes
The matchup between Palm Harbor University and East Lake in the Class 5A region final tonight at Palm Harbor might make one think the Eagles, who went 1-3 against the Hurricanes this season, would dread another meeting.
By CHRIS GIRANDOLA
Published February 2, 2007
EAST LAKE - The matchup between Palm Harbor University and East Lake in the Class 5A region final tonight at Palm Harbor might make one think the Eagles, who went 1-3 against the Hurricanes this season, would dread another meeting.
But the Eagles (18-7), who lost to Palm Harbor 2-1 in the district final, would have it no other way.
"They know us and we know them so we both know what to expect," said East Lake senior captain Erica Schaefer. "We've always been rivals and they're the defending champs so, if we're going to make it to states, we'd rather play them than any other team."
It has been a 180-degree change for Schaefer and fellow captain Brittany Nalley, who went through an agonizing four-win season as freshmen.
"It's been a lot of fun this year," said Nalley, who leads the team with 16 assists. "It's pretty amazing that we're at this point and we actually have a chance to play for states."
The Eagles have made enormous strides the past two years, including a playoff run last season that ended in a loss to Lakewood Ranch.
"It was somewhat of a brave new world for everybody," said East Lake coach Raleigh Daves, who took over the program in 2004. "It was the first time going through something like that and we all learned a lot about who we were and what we were capable of. This season, you've seen the way they've responded."
After battling to a 3-3 tie with Palm Harbor in a preseason tournament, the Eagles handed the Hurricanes (19-1) their only loss in the regular season, 2-1. And in the playoffs, after beating Hillsborough 5-1 in last week's region quarterfinal, the Eagles easily handled Lakewood Ranch 4-0.
"I told people last year they'd be a force to reckon with and they've proven me right," said Palm Harbor coach John Planamenta.