Girls soccer: Terrapins' win secures top seed at districts

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published December 15, 2007

TAMPA - It was supposed to be Tampa Prep's Senior Night on Friday against Bishop McLaughlin. Instead, the Terrapins decided to move the celebration to the first match of districts because exams week likely meant a light crowd.

Good thing, because it would have been a short night.

Paige Goodwin scored four times and Chelsea Klotz added a hat trick as the Terrapins needed just under 50 minutes to dispose of Bishop McLaughlin 8-0.

"I thought we passed and possessed the ball well," Terrapins coach Pam Smith said. "We had some things we wanted to accomplish, and we got them done."

The win wrapped up the Terrapins' district slate, cementing them as the district tournament's top seed. It was the fourth time this season they scored eight goals or more in a game.

The Terrapins, however, will get a major test next weekend in the Sarasota Holiday Tournament. Tampa Prep plays St. Petersburg Catholic, Bloomingdale and Melbourne.

"It should be a good indicator for us," Smith said. "We haven't really been tested in our district, so it should tell us something."

Klotz scored the only goal the Terrapins (13-0) would need in the seventh minute. The senior transfer from Lake Brantley hauled in a long ball from Amber Miller, beat her marker and slotted the shot into the lower left corner of the goal. Klotz now has 37 goals this season.

"I couldn't do it without any of my teammates," Klotz said. "... I'd like think we have the potential to go to states with this team."

Goodwin scored the final goal in a driving rain. Carrie Field notched the Terrapins' other goal, connecting on a penalty kick in the 48th minute.

[Last modified December 14, 2007, 22:03:26]