Local Sports

Wildcats edge Blue Streaks

Photos

Allen Moody | Highlands Today
Published: December 15, 2012

SEBRING - The Sebring Blue Streaks knew they were going to be in for a battle heading into Thursday's match with McKeel Academy at Firemen's Field. While the Blue Streaks put forth a solid effort, it was McKeel Academy that walked away with a 2-0 victory in Class 3A-District 13 girls soccer action.

"They're a very good team," said Sebring coach Ritchie Birdsall. "They're No. in the district right now."

The Wildcats have lost just once all season, but haven't had an easy time with the Blue Streaks in either of the two matches the teams have played. McKeel Academy came away with a 1-0 decision earlier this season in Lakeland and had to work hard for Thursday's victory.

The Blue Streaks had several close calls in the first half, as a Heather Bloesma shot the crossbar and a shot from Julia Van Fleet sailed just wide.

The Wildcats got on the scoreboard with just over 10 minutes remaining in the half and took their 1-0 lead to halftime.

The Wildcats doubled their score early in the second half, as McKeel Academy's Kaitlyn Dickie had a hand in both goals, scoring one and assisting on the other.

McKeel kept the pressure on, but were unable to get another ball past goalkeeper Shannon Bloesma, who Birdsall said was getting better on a consistent basis.

The Blue Streaks had several spurts where they would control the action and keep McKeel Academy bottled up in its own end of the field, but Sebring couldn't put a ball past McKeel goalkeeper Solo Baker, who earned her eighth shutout of the season. The Wildcats haven't allowed more than one goal in any of their matches this year.

"We had some chances and we didn't finish," Birdsall said. "When they had chances, they did."

Sebring nearly cut the McKeel Academy lead in half midway through the second, but a Destiny McCartney shot went just wide.

Birdsall said the primary goal for the team is to keep improving and hit its stride when the district tournament rolls around, where a rematch against McKeel is a definite possibility.

"We'll be ready to meet them again," he said.

The Blue Streaks wrapped up district play with the match, but have five more matches the team will use to prepare for districts, beginning with Tuesday's home match against Clewiston. The teams played to a scoreless draw the first meeting.

Sebring (4-10-3 overall) will then take an extended break and return to the pitch after school is back in session with a home match against LaBelle on Jan. 4, followed by rematches with Lake Placid, Hardee and Avon Park. The matches against the Green Dragons and Red Devils will also be played at Firemen's Field.

amoody@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5841