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Girls Soccer: Lakeland Jenkins Slips Past Newsome 1-0

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By JARRETT GUTHRIE

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 7, 2009

LITHIA - Brittany Trawick fired the Eagles' only shot in overtime into an unreachable spot for Newsome (23-4-1) goalkeeper Kendall Graham for the decider as defending state champion Lakeland Jenkins (25-0-1) advanced to the state Class 5A final four with a 1-0 victory.

Trawick's 20-yard shot was still rising as it went into the net in the upper corner, seven minutes into overtime.

"As soon as she struck it, I knew it was in - I had the perfect angle," Jenkins coach Joe Lenard said. "She smacked it."

Both teams battled mainly in the midfield in a contact-filled and aggressive match. In the second half, the Eagles had a number of good chances on throw-ins from freshman Emily Rice to the box, but Graham didn't disappoint in goal for the Wolves, punching out or pulling in any shot taken inside the box.

Though Jenkins had better opportunities for goals throughout the 5A-Region 2 final, Newsome had some strong chances in the second half. First on a 30-yard free kick by senior Ana Cate early in the half, then on a cross from Karina Gutsche into the box to Shea Rhoney, but she was unable to handle the ball to get a shot off.

The Wolves weren't able to find many opportunities to challenge Eagles keeper Caitlyn Currie.

After the match, fourth-year coach Kelly Townsend said she was going to face big changes in the team next season, as the Wolves will lose 10 seniors from this year's squad.

"It's definitely going to be a change for me because I started when they started," Townsend said. "It's hard to imagine for me; not seeing them every day is going to be tough."

Townsend said after the match, though disappointed, she expected a tough match against a strong Jenkins team.

"It ended in overtime," Townsend said. "I think that is how a final should end."

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