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Streaks Storm Past Bulldogs

MARK PINSON/HIGHLANDS TODAY

Sebring’s Sadie Adams (11) controls a throw-in during Monday night’s Class 4A-District 10 match against DeSoto.

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: November 28, 2007

SEBRING — Rachel Ashley wasn't quite sure how to celebrate the first goal of her high school career.

So, she scored another one.

Using a new-look lineup and some familiar faces in different roles, the Sebring girls soccer team got two goals from Ashley in a 5-0 victory over DeSoto in Class 4A-District 10 action on Monday night.

Ashley, who normally plays on defense, moved to forward and scored the first two goals of her prep career to push the Blue Streaks (4-3-2 overall, 3-2 district) to a winning record on the young season.

"It was a lot of fun to be on offense, and it was exciting to score," the Sebring senior said. "I didn't know what to do after I scored because that's the first goals of my high school career.

"We had a lot of energy tonight and we talked before the match about doing whatever each of us needed to do to make us a better team and then we went out and did it."

The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 0-3, 0-1.

"I was pleased with our performance, especially when you consider we only had one practice over the holidays," said Blue Streak coach Steve Ashley. "We moved some players around and got to play different people in different positions, and I thought we were pretty effective.

"Midfielder Sadie Adams, our team-leader in assists, had three more tonight, Amanda Grimaldo was solid as usual and Rachel had a nice game."

Sebring, which displayed superior speed and athleticism, jumped on top when Ricki Albritton took a pass from Adams and ripped a shot past the DeSoto keeper for a 1-0 lead three minutes into the match.

Janeli Roman added to the advantage when she drilled a rebound shot into the upper-left corner to make it 2-0 with in the 13th minute.

DeSoto, which managed just four shots on goal against the stingy Blue Streak defense, just missed scoring off a corner kick by Cecilia Montero in the 30th minute, as Sebring keeper Rebecca Secory made the save.

Grimaldo, a freshman, scored just before the end of the half by maneuvering past two Bulldog defenders and then ripped a shot into the right corner for a 3-0 lead.

"Amanda has good ability and done real well for us," Ashley said. "With Sadie controlling the midfield, that sets up our scorers for good shots on goal."

Sebring continued to apply pressure and Ashley scored her first goal off a rebound shot that the DeSoto keeper couldn't handle for a 4-0 advantage with 18:21 remaining.

Ashley capped her career night with a goal off a beautiful cross from Grimaldo in the final minutes to seal the win.

"I wouldn't have scored without a great assist from Amanda," Ashley said. "We have good team chemistry, and if we communicate and play hard, we have a chance to be a good team."

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