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Hernando Today

A House Divided…

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: January 10, 2008

BROOKSVILLE – For whatever reason, freshman midfielder Alyx McKinney opted to enroll at Central High this past August.
It didn't hurt that most of her West Hernando Middle School friends and classmates also matriculated at CHS.
In fact, her first cousin, junior Ashley Custodio, also plays for the Lady Bears.
What's perhaps puzzling to outsiders is Alyx is the younger sister to Springstead High's leading scorer, striker Taylor McKinney.
Imagine a Spring Hill family navigating back and forth during club season and then covering different matches on prep nights, plus practices during the year. Well, that's the McKinney's household.
But instead of following her older sibling's path to the pitch with the county's most successful program, Alyx chose a route less traveled.
Ironically, Taylor's team is coming off its county-record fourth district championship and ninth county championship across the past 10 years.
Meanwhile, CHS captured its lone district title 11 years ago. The Lady Bears' lone county title in that span was in 2002-03 under Hank Deslaurier.
Due to injuries and inexperience (particularly on offense), the Bears have been up and down this season. Entering Monday night, CHS had totaled 16 goals in 16 matches putting a huge burden on itsdefense to keep it in matches.
Under .500 CHS, at 4-7-4 overall, entered its Hernando County Athletic Conference rematch against Springstead Monday night at the Bears' Den hoping to avenge Dec. 17's 3-0 spanking at Booster Stadium.
That win clinched a share of the Lady Eagles' ninth county title in 10 seasons.
Meanwhile, Taylor McKinney had a goal in the first meeting between the two schools and was hoping to help guide the Lady Eagles to a school-record 17th straight non-losing match.
Instead, Alyx McKinney threaded a perfect pass to an unguarded Custodio, who crushed a 13-yard shot past senior goalkeeper Jennifer DeFrancesco in the Lady Bears' stunning 1-0 upset.

Hey cuz

Custodio's second goal of the season at 67:00 was followed by a roar from the home fans in Brooksville as Springstead suffered its first setback since Nov. 7's 4-1 loss at Zephyrhills.
Despite being out shot 12-3 overall, CHS junior goalkeeper Kady McCandless stood tall stoning nine shots -- including Brittany Delgado's 14-yard looper with two minutes remaining -- in etching her sixth shutout of the season.
Where did this upset rank?
"I'm excited," smiled the 17-year-old McCandless. "We played really well. We passed the ball well and we didn't have any breakdowns (on defense)."
"The goal was big," understated the 16-year-old Custodio, who tallied eight goals and four assists in 2006-07. "I've been kinda in a slump this season. We hadn't beaten them since my freshman year. It's really good to get 'em."
What happened on the game-winner?
"Their defense left my side open," shrugged Custodio. "And I got a beautiful cross."
"It was an exciting match," added the 14-year-old Alyx McKinney. "I was nervous at the time but my cousin made a great play."
Central High's third-year Head Coach Amy Ellis congratulated her entire team.
"Tonight, our entire defense stepped up," she said. "I don't think our passing was there. I think, bottom line, we wanted this (win) more.
"Tonight, Springstead made one defensive mistake and we took advantage," added Ellis, who improved to 23-27-6 lifetime at CHS. "We needed this big time. It gives a huge boost right before districts. We've been hurt by injuries and mental errors. Mentally we clicked tonight."
What does this win do less than a week away from the 5A-7 Tournament at River Ridge?
"We need to hold on to this (feeling)," explained Ellis. "And use this as a big motivator."

Central 1, Springstead 0
Central 0 1 — 1
Springstead 0 0 — 0
Goals – CEN: Custodio.
Assists – CEN: A. McKinney.
Shots on goal – SPG: 12, CEN: 3.
Saves – CEN: McCandless 9; SPG: DeFrancesco 2.
Yellow Cards – none.
Blue Cards – none.
Red Cards – none.
Records: Springstead (14-2-4 overall, 4-1-1 HCAC), Central (5-7-4 overall, 2-2-0 HCAC).

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com,

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