Class 5A: Girls soccer semifinal

Newsome wins "one that counts" against Bloomingdale this season.

By JOE SMITH
Published January 30, 2008

VALRICO - Hannah Rainey entered Newsome with the hopes of becoming the Wolves' go-to goalkeeper.

But after an early-season position switch to forward, the sophomore has quickly become what teammate Ana Cate calls "a big-time playmaker."

Rainey's biggest play of the season set the tone in the Wolves' 3-0 region semifinal victory over rival Bloomingdale on Tuesday night. With four minutes left in the first half, the sophomore collected a loose ball in the left side of the box before ripping it past Bulls goalie Christina Coca - giving the Wolves their first goal in more than 116 minutes against Bloomingdale this season. The Bulls had beaten them twice by 1-0 scores, including the 5A-8 district title game.

"They can beat us in as many district finals as they want," Cate said. "But this one was the one that counts."

The Wolves (16-2) will go for their second consecutive state semifinal berth. To get that chance, the Wolves did what they could never do this season against Bloomingdale - finish. Newsome had more than a half dozen quality scoring chances in the match, a couple coming from junior Morgan Sammons and freshman Karina Gutsche (one goal, one assist).

Gutsche followed Rainey's goal with a score early in the second half. The midfielder/forward redirected a beautiful cross from junior Ashley Evers. Gutsche later assisted on a goal by leading scorer Kellie Fowke.

"They did everything right," Bulls junior Aileen Herrera said. "Their speed showed tonight."

[Last modified January 29, 2008, 23:52:26]