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Hernando Today

No Walk in the Park

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

Central’s second goalkeeper, Brooke Wardlow, stretches but just couldn’t stop Springstead sophomore Ashley Walker’s 24-yard free kick with two minutes remaining to clinch Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over the host Lady Bears.

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

acastro@hernandotoday.com

Published: November 25, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Entering Tuesday night's Hernando County match against archrival Central High at the Bears' Den, Springstead sophomore Ashley Walker entered as the county's leading scorer with seven goals and 18 points.
After a scoreless first half, Walker helped snap the scoring drought two minutes into the second half by threading a pass to freshman forward Kimberly Smith, who tucked in her third goal of the season from seven yards out past CHS keeper Kady McCandless (11 saves), 1-0.
Though the Lady Eagles would eventually out shoot the Bears 17-1, a huge insurance goal arrived with two minutes left in the match.
After Springstead's Cristina Passafaro was fouled, Walker was inserted to take a 24-yard free kick.
Walker's left-footed shot looped over the second of two Bear goalkeepers, Brooke Wardlow, to seal Springstead's 2-0 victory.
The win improved Springstead to 6-2-2 overall and 2-0-1 in county action while the Lady Bears slipped to 2-4-2 overall and 1-1-0 in county play.
The shutout went to sophomore keeper Monica Vega, who barely broke a sweat with one save to post her fifth shutout of the season.
One of Springstead's few returning defenders, Brittany Delgado, was pleased.
"I thought we all played well," indicated the 15-year-old Delgado. "The key was we never let up."

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SHS's fourth-year Head Coach Polo Furlong heaped praise across the board.
"Even though we lost some tremendous (defensive) players, we've played great this year," pointed out Furlong, referring to the 10 goals his team has allowed this season with a new goalkeeper and three new defenders in the back.
"Our thinking is defense first," added Furlong. "Then we build up the attack. I think if we can get some balance we could be even better than. Our centermids (Paige) Kuhn and Smith are both tremendous players."
What about Smith's contributions Tuesday night?
"Smith is simply a player," said Furlong. "Forget that she's a freshman. She has a knack for scoring. She can smell the ball coming. It's all about being in the right place at the right time."
And Walker?
"Tonight was her eighth goal," added Furlong. "She's definitely stepped up her play this year. She plays like a senior, but is only a sophomore. Her assist was huge, but the insurance goal she gave us is what we needed."
Any other heroes?
"Alyson (Brady) had her lip busted tonight," added Furlong. "Even though she was hurt, she played terrific. Give her credit, she played her heart out. She gave it all, too."
Walker smiled afterward.
"I saw her (Smith), but the last couple years, Taylor (McKinney, who graduated), would usually put it in," explained the 16-year-old Walker. "I was real surprised when Kim stuck it in. That first goal was big. Thank God we didn't tie again."
What was the key?
"Our really passed well," commented Walker.
And the insurance goal?
"I twisted my ankle and it hurt," said Walker. "But I was so glad I got some air underneath it."
"Our first goal was nice," said the 14-year-old Smith. "But I couldn't do anything without my teammates. It was a nice win; and important one.
"So far this season, we've been kinda learning about each other," added Smith. "We're trusting each other more and more."

Springstead 2, Central 0
Central 0 0 — 0
Springstead 1 1 — 2
Goals – SPG: Smith, Walker.
Assists – SPG: Walker.
Shots on goal – SPG: 17, CEN: 1.
Saves – SPG: Vega 1; CEN: McCandless 11, Wardlow 1.
Yellow Cards – none.
Blue Cards – none.
Red Cards – none.
Records: Springstead (6-2-2 overall), Central (2-4-2 overall).

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

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