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PHU Takes 5th Against East Lake

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By CHRIS ERRINGTON

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 4, 2009

PALM HARBOR - Forget attempting to beat an opponent three times in the same season. On Tuesday night, Palm Harbor University proved it's possible to accomplish even more.

For the fifth and most important time this season, the Hurricanes earned a hard-fought victory over East Lake, 2-1, this time for a spot in the Class 5A-Region 3 championship match.

Shannon Walisch's header off a corner kick from Catherine Brinkman with 26 minutes remaining broke a 1-all tie and sent Palm Harbor (19-2) into Friday's home match against Seminole. The Hurricanes lost both meetings between the teams this season.

"This was the toughest game against them so far," PHU coach John Planamenta said. "I looked at my assistant coach 10 minutes in and said, 'This is going to be a dogfight.' Shannon's goal was a great goal. We've been pushing her up on some of our set plays and it worked out perfectly."

Paige Lombard gave PHU an early lead when she outraced two defenders to a loose ball. Leah Fischer's 22nd goal of the season tied it for East Lake (14-4) three minutes later.

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