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PHU goal: Defense of soccer crown

The Hurricanes will face Niceville today in the Class 5A girls soccer semifinals.The defending champ Hurricanes will face Niceville today in the Class 5A girls soccer semis

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published February 8, 2007

Fans of Palm Harbor University's girls soccer team who are looking to save a buck take note: Book a hotel room in Fort Lauderdale this same time next year.

For the fourth consecutive season, the Hurricanes are playing in the 5A Final Four.

"It never gets old hat," PHU coach John Planamenta said.

PHU 20-1-0, the defending state champions, open play in the semifinals at 2 p.m. today at Lockhart Stadium against Niceville (21-1-0). The winner advances to Saturday's championship match against either Newsome, of Lithia, (17-2-1) or Satellite, of Satellite Beach, (23-2-1).

"Every year's a new one, a new challenge," Planamenta said. "But it's always exciting."

Planamenta has been at the helm during PHU's four-year run, guiding the Hurricanes to a runnerup finish in 2005 before beating Bloomingdale, 2-0, in the finals last season, capturing the school's third state crown.

"Our experience is an advantage," goalkeeper Victoria Wyandt said. "We know what to expect down there."

Although Planamenta has been hush-hush about his game plan against Niceville, PHU has scouted the Eagles throughout the playoffs.

Niceville is led by senior forward and 33-goal scorer Lauren Halbert.

The Eagles' Veronika Wolfkeil has 15 assists while Marleigh Howard's chipped in 10 goals.

PHU has three players who have scored double-digit goals this season: Kelly Brinkman (16), Catherine Brinkman (10) and Sam Newhaller (10).

Monica Lee and Wyandt split goalkeeper duties and the pair has combined to hold opponents to five goals this season.

"Our defense has taken shape as the year has progressed," Planamenta said.

PHU's defense also will get a boost from sweeper Cina Salemi's return.

Salemi was hurt in the final regular-season match but played in the Hurricanes' 2-0 region final win against East Lake, and Planamenta said "she's back to form."

Contact Brandon Wright at bwright@sptimes.com or 727-892-2216.

Fast Facts:

Class 5A Final Four

Where: Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale

Today's semifinals:

Newsome (Lithia) vs. Satellite (Satellite Beach), noon.

Palm Harbor University vs. Niceville, 2 p.m.

Saturday's championship:

Winner of Newsome-Satellite vs. winner of PHU-Niceville, noon

[Last modified February 7, 2007, 23:14:25]