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Hernando Today

Lady Eagles' Drought Extended

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: January 30, 2008

ORLANDO – Following the opening round of Thursday night's Class 4A, Region II girls soccer quarterfinal playoffs, the defending state champion Bishop Moore Catholic Hornets received what they cherished most -- another crack at district runner-up Eustis.
Eustis, which bested the Hornets during the regular season, lost in double overtime in the 4A-7 finale.
Eustis insured a 4A-II semifinal rematch by edging host Hudson High on Thursday night, 4-3.
In Orange County, visiting Springstead (17-4-4) was eliminated in the first round of the regional playoffs for the seventh time in seven lifetime matches, 4-0.

No momentum

Offensively, the Lady Eagles were handcuffed to two shots on goal making things easy for sophomore goalkeeper Katelyn Koula (2 saves). Meanwhile, Hornet sophomores Kristin George tallied two goals, Deborah Ambar scored once and assisted on another and Diana DiMuro notched a pair of assists.
"We started a little slowly," explained the 17-year-old George. "Sometimes it takes us a little while to get used to the other team."
What was discussed at halftime?
"Coach told us to switch the point of attack and get wider," remarked George. "I know we can play a lot better."
Ambar echoed George's comments.
"It was 1-0 at half and we all knew we had to pick up the pace," shared the 17-year-old Ambar. "Normally, we kinda play to the level of our opponents. In the second half, we all came together."
Biggest difference?
"When we switched the attack (for the second half), it started to open things up for us," said Ambar.
Bishop Moore, which improved to 18-7-4, aimed 16 shots against Springstead senior goalkeeper Jennifer DeFrancesco.
DeFrancesco was one of five Eagle seniors who played their last match for SHS including striker Taylor McKinney, defenders Paige Alexsuk, Brittany Duke and sweeper Jackie Holtje.
DeFrancesco, who came in with a county-record tying 17 shutouts this season and 30 for her prep career, was hindered by the loss of Duke.
Duke remained on the bench after suffering what is believed to be fractured heel in the 4A-8 finale against Hudson.

Breaking it open

Despite an on and off misty rain, SHS and Bishop Moore remained scoreless until 31:00 minutes when DiMuro found George for the first of two scores, 1-0.
In the second half, third-year Bishop Moore Head Coach Bobby Hurring changed his tactics against a Springstead unit that attempted to keep the match close by clogging the passing lanes.
Hurring brought another forward up top in his formation stretching the Eagle defensive back line. After nine minutes without a score, Hurring's move directly led to three goals across an 11-minute period to salt the match.
DiMuro's cross led to Ambar's left-footed goal -- her 13th of the season -- at 49:00 minutes, 2-0 Hornets.
Seven minutes later, OBM senior Lauren Reen threaded a pass to senior Deanna Dempsey, who popped it into the back of the nets, 3-0.
At 60:00 minutes, Ambar's pass found George, who tallied her second goal of the night and her 11th of the season, 4-0.
Following the game, Hurring told his troops they'd have to play better to continue to advance.
"We all need to pick up our intensity," insisted Hurring. "The girls dug deep down twice to win in districts. We need that same kind of intensity back."
Biggest difference?
"(Springstead mentor) Polo (Furlong) is a good coach. We knew coming in Springstead was a good defensive team," said Hurring. "We went with three forwards in the second half and that seemed to open things up on the edge."
From the visiting sideline, SHS Head Coach Polo Furlong believed his team was in the match particularly at the intermission.
"In the first half, I thought we contained them," said Furlong, who has won more matches in three seasons (54) than any other Hernando County girls' mentor since the sport's inception here in 1990. "We knew we had to keep it close to have any chance. I thought the girls played as hard as they could. But he (Coach Hurring) countered my counter, he switched formations."
Overall?
"Tonight, I learned a lot," explained Furlong. "We played well for the most part. Bishop Moore is an excellent team. Give them credit and I wish them luck."
Any regrets?
"Not at all," replied Furlong. "OK, maybe I wish we had won more of the matches we tied (4). There's always next year."

Orlando-Bishop Moore Catholic 4, Springstead 0
OBM 1 3 — 4
SPG 0 0 — 0
Goals – OBM: George (2), Ambar, Dempsey.
Assists – OBM: DiMuro (2), Reen, Ambar.
Shots on goal – SPG: 2; OBM: 16.
Saves – SPG: DeFrancesco 6; OBM: Katelyn Koula 2.
Yellow Cards – SPG: Alexander (unsporting behavior).
Blue Cards – none.
Red Cards – none.
Records: Springstead (17-4-4 overall), Orlando-Bishop Moore Catholic (18-7-4 overall).

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

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