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Brinkman Lifts Hurricanes Into State Final

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By JARRETT GUTHRIE

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 14, 2009

TAMPA - Palm Harbor University's Catherine Brinkman had a clear look at the goal to the right of Satellite Beach Satellite goalkeeper Ellie Harrington just after the first half water break, but a moment's hesitation and a diving stop by Harrington kept Friday's 5A state semifinal match scoreless.
Brinkman said after the match that for one deflating moment, she thought about hanging her head. However, that moment was short-lived for the Hurricanes' leading scorer, who one minute later notched the deciding goal for Palm Harbor as it advanced to today's state championship with a 3-0 victory.

"It sometimes takes a while to get over," Brinkman said. "But in a game like this, I can't wait - can't hang my head."

Brinkman's 32nd goal of the season came in the 23rd minute after taking a pass from Colleen Lynch. She sent in a right-footed stab as the Scorpions' keeper came off the line.

"Definitely, I got down on myself knowing that I had that first one," Brinkman said. "But this whole team encouraged me like always, and a little later I stuck my leg out and got it in there."

The Hurricanes controlled the match, as Palm Harbor's defense stymied any offensive chances from the Scorpions. Satellite's leading scorer, Tishia Jewell, was stifled by senior defender Ellycia Colon's pressure.

"Tishia is a good player, so it is hard to get to the ball before her," Colon said. "You have to read the ball two seconds before she did, and that is what we did as a whole team tonight."

The Hurricanes added their second goal with seven seconds left in the first half on a low free kick by Cina Salemi. The timing of the second goal deflated Satellite, which wasn't able to break through Palm Harbor's defense in the second half.

Palm Harbor's third came after a nice cross from Paige Lombard found Heather Mariscal, who sent shot into the upper corner.

Waiting for the Hurricanes in the final is defending 5A state champion Lakeland Jenkins.

The Eagles advanced to today's final defeating Fleming Island 3-0 on first-half goals by Ashley Yamnitz, Kacy Scarpa and Kayla Bala.

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