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Cooper Puts CCC Through

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By LEE DIEKEMPER, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 2, 2008

CLEARWATER - Florida Gators receiver and former Clearwater Central Catholic star Riley Cooper has some competition for bragging rights at home. His younger sister, CCC freshman Lindsey Cooper, scored with 1:15 left in the second overtime to give the Marauders a 2-1 victory against Melbourne West Shore on Friday.

The Class 3A-Region 3 final victory vaults CCC into the state semifinals. The Marauders (17-5-5) will face Orlando Lake Highland Prep (18-4-7) at noon Wednesday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Once Cooper scored the goal, outracing the defenders and firing the ball in from the left side, she was mobbed by teammates. A few moments later, CCC students and fans, her brother Riley included, joined the celebration.

"Kelly Campbell passed it to me, and I just thought I had to score and it was just awesome," Cooper said.

With just a few minutes left in regulation, a CCC victory seemed unlikely. At times, just getting a shot off was a huge task, as CCC was outshot in the second half 14-7.

West Shore (15-7-1) forward Toni Pressley, who has verbally committed to Florida State, showed why she is a Division I recruit late in the first half. She took control of the ball near midfield along the left side. She dribbled past two defenders, and as she neared the far corner she crossed a pass that Rave Salkey knocked in from the right side for a 1-0 lead.

"What a player, she's an athlete," said CCC coach Tom Typrowicz. "When she crossed, she beat three of our players, and she beat two that are our fastest players. She's that quick."

Late in the second, with the Wildcats seemingly in control, the Marauders got the break they needed. Jolie Anniclianco got loose on a breakaway and managed to get the ball into the net with 5:53 left.

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