On Saturday, January 30, the girls soccer team relived the glory of what they are famously known for: the state title.

The team won 3-1 over their opponent, the Miami Lourdes, scoring their goals within the preliminary minutes of the game.

“We got to a span of where we scored three goals within the first 18 minutes of the game, and two goals within the span of 18 seconds,” senior Andrea Maskiell said.

With such a feat completed in the first half of the game, the team remained confident in their abilities.

“It was 3-0 in the first quarter,” junior Camille Copperthite said. “This made us relax a little more and we were more comfortable for the rest of the game.”

Junior Brianna Waggoner agreed.

“We knew going into the game, it was going to be tough,” Waggoner said. “But, once we got on board, we thought ‘okay, let us focus on our game now. Keeping the ball and go get another goal.’ The motto was focus.”

Maskiell reminisced the team’s previous recovery over the Lourdes.

“I think we came in feeling pretty confident,” Maskiell said. “The seniors, knowing that we beat Lordes freshman year, knew they were going to be on our heels going into the game, because they have already lost to us in the state finals before. I think that was an advantage to us. We knew that if we put the first ball into the back of the net, that we were going to carrying the momentum forward and win. And that is exactly what we did.”

The Lions’ defense, in Waggoner’s opinion, sustained their victory.

“There are some games where the defense just hold so strong that I won’t have to touch the ball as much as in other games,” Waggoner, the goalkeeper said. “This was one of those games.”

Coach Scott Waisanen takes pride in his team’s triumph.

“Two games against two great quality opponents, and they pulled out another state title,” Waisanen said. “It is a testament to their effort, the whole team’s experience throughout the year, and believing in each other. It was a great victory for them, for our school, and our community.”

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Photo courtesy of Orlando Sentinel