Nature Coast Technical, Eustis clash in rubber match

On one hand, Nature Coast will enter uncharted territory Friday when it makes the first Sweet 16 appearance in program history.

But on the other, the Lady Sharks should be quite familiar with their surroundings, playing at Eustis in a Class 3A, Region II semifinal starting at 7 p.m.

This will mark the third meeting between these two teams, who battled in the 3A-6 title game one week earlier and once during the regular season in Lake County.

Nature Coast (17-2-1) won the first contest on Dec. 2, 4-1, but the Lady Panthers (17-5-2) were minus six starters that night for various reasons.

At far closer to full strength, Eustis knocked off the Lady Sharks for the district crown at Citrus High, 3-1.

On Tuesday, the Lady Panthers pounded Citra-North Marion in one regional quarterfinal, 8-0, while Nature Coast bounced back to win at Gainesville-Eastside in double overtime, 3-2, setting up this rematch.

“I think it’ll be a really good match,” Eustis Head Coach Wayne Lockett said. “I feel they’re a very well-coached team. That speaks volumes of their coach. She does a lot with what she has.”

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Despite last week’s outcome, the Lady Sharks could take solace that they hung around after falling behind 2-0 and kept it a one-goal contest for most of the second half.

“I think mentally, the way we’re approaching this is that second half built up some confidence,” Nature Coast Head Coach Lisa Masserio said. “Yes they have great players in certain spots, but we were able to make adjustments.”

Unfortunately for the Lady Sharks, Eustis has added another considerable talent. Senior forward Brooke Smith returned from a red-card related suspension on Tuesday, and scored three goals.

She and her twin sister, Lauren, have both signed with the University of Florida. Lauren Smith had a goal and two assists versus Nature Coast in the district final, and added a goal and three assists against North Marion.

Another senior forward, Alika Keene, has inked with Harvard. Lockett said a few other girls are also receiving college looks.

“We’ve been very fortunate in that we’ve had hard-working, devoted players come into this program,” Lockett said. “That has helped our program.”

This is the sixth consecutive season in which the Lady Panthers have advanced this deep into the playoffs. Two years ago they reached the state semifinals.

Meanwhile, the Lady Sharks had zero previous regional experience before this week. Yet knowing Eustis and its home field makes this game less daunting than the one at Eastside.

“I think that was one of our disadvantages when we went up to Gainesville,” Masserio said. “Their field was longer than what we’ve played on during the season.

“Being familiar with that field (at Eustis), having a similar warm-up, a similar focus, we want to do exactly what we did when we went out there. It’s good for our team that it’s not an unfamiliar place.”

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The key for Eustis, according to Lockett, is “being able to beat their trap. They’re very good at that. It speaks to their coach and what she’s done to get the team prepared.”

Masserio noted the speed of the Lady Panthers, particularly in the front and midfield.

“They’ll test our defense more and we have to be very aware of whatever movement there is on offense,” Masserio said. “For us it’s about trying to disrupt motion, and transition well.”

Also, Masserio said the Lady Sharks needed to minimize Eustis’ shots and win 50/50 balls.

If they can do that, they might just be able to gain redemption for losing in the district tournament and continue on their magical run.

“I think some of it is still the ‘wow’ factor for our girls,” Masserio said. “It’s very exciting. Everything at this point that we’re able to accomplish surpasses what the original goals were.

“We have to look at it as an opportunity we’ve earned and we need to make the most of it.”