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Bull came through in clutch

Bloomingdale senior Tara Escribano didn't lead the county in scoring, but she did lead her team to a Class 4A state title.

By SCOTT PURKS

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 18, 2001

TAMPA -- She is unassuming and polite. She can even strike one as shy, which might seem strange after watching her play.

On a soccer field, Bloomingdale's Tara Escribano turns into a force, and during this season's state title run, one could say, "undeniable force."

In seven playoff games, Escribano, a senior, scored five goals, including the game-winner in overtime to beat DeLand 3-2 for the Class 4A state title.

How good was she?

Just ask her coach, Sue Peet:

"A dream to coach, a leader, a go-to player. ... Not afraid of anybody. ... Determined. ... She stepped it up in the big games. ... I thought she was the most complete player we had. ... Great instincts. ... Strong. ... She would be attacking on the offensive end and then the next second she would be sprinting 50 yards downfield to make a defensive stop. She was all over the field in every game ...

"I would be disappointed if anybody else got the player of the year award, because I think Tara is definitely the one who deserves it."

No need to worry Coach, Escribano is the Times All-County Player of the Year.

In the end, Escribano was far from the county's top scorer (she finished with 18 goals and seven assists for 43 points, or 23 behind the leader), but no other player connected on key shots in more critical moments:

She scored in a 2-1 victory against the nation's then No. 1 team, Palm Harbor University.

She hit the go-ahead goal in a 2-0 first-round regional victory against Sarasota Riverview.

She ripped a 20-yard free kick into the net in the 65th minute of a 2-1 come-from-behind regional final victory against West Palm Beach Wellington.

In the final four, she had three goals and an assist.

Looking back, Peet credits part of Escribano's and her team's success to losing in the 2000 state semifinals.

"I think we were scared going into the (2000 state semifinals)," Peet said. "But I think after that loss, the kids thought about it and realized they could play at that level.

"Tara and the whole team came into this season determined not to be intimidated by anybody, and I don't think they were."

Before the state tournament games, Escribano said, "I feel totally prepared for this state tournament. We've been through a lot and it only made us stronger.

"It's been a great ride. But we feel like we're prepared to take it a step farther and finish it with a state title."

Escribano plans to attend South Florida, but soccer might not be a part of her college career. If she wants to play, it looks like she'll have to walk on.

If she doesn't, she'll concentrate on her education, which shouldn't be a problem considering she's a straight-A student. "I'm not worried about Tara at all," Peet said. "She's one of those wonderful kids who will succeed at whatever she puts her mind to.

"That's just the way she is."

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