The Seminole High girls soccer team earned a return trip to the state final four with a convincing 3-0 victory at home over Gaither in Friday's Class 5A-Region 3 championship game.
The Warhawks, now battle-tested with a strong schedule and a 22-2-1 record, will face Newsome next Friday in the state semifinals at the University of Tampa's Pepin-Rood Stadium. Last year, the Warhawks lost to Melbourne in overtime of the title game.
"It's a sweet victory," said Seminole senior captain Tara Belvin, a defender who played a key role in shutting out the Cowboys. "We wanted it all this year, to come back and maybe do what we didn't do last year."
If the Warhawks and Belvin can continue to defend while putting opponents on their heels like they did against the Cowboys (12-6-2) on Friday, there's a good chance they can do just that. Almost from the outset, Seminole pressed the attack - particularly with forward Sierra Lelii - while closing down Gaither in midfield.
In the 20th minute, Lelii took a pass from teammate Gina Hayduke and sped down the left flank. As she did, Lelii said she noticed Cowboys goalkeeper Amanda High drifting off her line and coming toward her. So instead of crossing the ball into the box, Lelii lifted an arcing shot to the far post. The ball sailed just over High and into the goal for a 1-0 Warhawks lead.
In the second half, Gaither managed to put together an improved attack and began connecting passes in the Warhawks' box. But with 21:52 to play, the Cowboys were dealt a major setback when Belvin tapped in a loose ball in front of the goal.
"I thought we played a lot stronger in the second half, but that second goal just stunned us," said Cowboys coach Trevor Scott.
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