JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Only two girls soccer heavyweights remain standing in the state playoffs — Creekside and Ponte Vedra.
The Knights atoned for a loss in last year’s playoffs with a thrilling win in penalty kicks over rival Bartram Trail in the Region 1-7A final on Wednesday night. Creekside used a stout showing in goal from keeper Hailey Smith in the PK round to deny the Bears in an effort to defend their state championship.
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Skye Tumbelty, Lily Paisant, Samantha Colvin and Payton Dorsett knocked down PKs for Creekside, the winner coming on Dorsett’s shot that went left and just past the hands of a diving Lily Holden to send the Knights onward. Smith stopped two of Bartram’s PKs in an all-around stifling performance between two of the state’s premier teams.
Creekside did it without coach Joe Soto, who was ejected after picking up back-to-back yellow cards within 15 seconds in the second half. The Knights will face Stoneman Douglas in the state semifinals on Feb. 29. Creekside won the state championship in 2022. Bartram won three of four titles, including last year’s.
Ponte Vedra had no trouble in Region 1-6A, squashing rival Nease in a 7-0 romp that showcased just how strong coach Dave Silverberg’s team is. The Sharks (20-1-1) were up 2-0 early and steadily took Nease apart after that. Ponte Vedra, which has three championships under Silverberg, faces St. Thomas Aquinas on Feb. 28 in DeLand.
Clay’s season ended in Region 1-5A with a 4-0 loss at Tallahassee Lincoln.
Regional finals
Wednesday’s results
Region 1-7A
(2) Creekside 1, (1) Bartram Trail 1 (Creekside wins in PKs, 4-2)
Region 1-6A
(1) Ponte Vedra 7, (6) Nease 0
Region 1-5A
(1) Lincoln 4, (3) Clay 0
State semifinals
Wednesday, Feb. 28
Spec Martin Stadium, DeLand
Region 1-6A
Ponte Vedra (20-1-1) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (13-4-2), 1 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 29
Region 1-7A
(2) Creekside (13-1-2) avs. Stoneman Douglas (15-1-2), 1 p.m.