Feb 3,
2001 - 02:10 PM
Missed chances mar soccer season
PLANT CITY - Plant City's
district girls soccer game against Lake Region on Monday went the way a
majority of its season went. A close game, a couple missed scoring
opportunities, a mental lapse here or there, then a 1-0 loss. Coach Mike
Storter says it was a frustrating end to the season.
``It was another tough one,
one we feel we had chances in,'' Storter said. ``We had some good shots but
they all were right at their keeper. They scored midway through the second half
when we didn't pick up a substitution of theirs. But honestly, the girls really
played their hearts out. We will be better next year.''
One reason for Storter's
optimism is the youth of the Raider program. The Raiders started several
freshmen and sophomores and knew they would take some lumps and they did so in
going 4-12 on the year. But Storter sees some similarities in this year's group
and last season's district winning team.
``That team who won
district last year also had some tough times when they were younger,'' Storter
said. ``But they got better as they learned to play together, and this team
will also. In fact this team overall has more depth than any we've had.''
The Raiders will say
goodbye to three seniors as Danielle Romano, Shanna Mallory, and Jen Weaver are
all scheduled to graduate this year. Storter says they will be missed.
``They all three were
contributors who we hate to see go,'' Storter said. ``With Danielle leaving we
know will go into next season looking for a new goalkeeper.''
``We will be working hard
to get better and hopefully we can improve on this year's record,'' Storter
said. ``I think we will, we have too much talent not to get better. It just all
depends on how they come together.''
Boys soccer: The boys
soccer team was in the same boat as the girls team for the most part, starting
a majority of underclassmen. The Raiders season ended Wednesday night in the
second round of district play, losing to Jenkins 2-0 in the semifinals.
Although disappointed, Coach Alan Black knows the best is still to come.
``We finished 6-6-4 and
considering we only have one senior I think we did pretty well,'' Black said.
``We were able to get a lot of young players considerable playing time and we
were able to see which way we are headed. I think we have the talent, now we have
some playing experience so next year we should improve quite a bit.''
In the first round of
district play, Plant City defeated Auburndale 2-0. Pat Gerhold and Garrett
Warner each scored for the Raiders as they best the Bloodhounds for the first
time after two previous ties.
``We actually played
Jenkins tough all year,'' Black said. ``For whatever reason we really got up to
play those guys but we just weren't ready yet to beat them. We think we have a
good chance of being one of the top in our district next year.''