DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

Palm Coast Observer
Sports

Matanzas and FPC were tied at halftime, but the Lady Pirates rallied in the second half for the District 4 title.

Play was neck-and-neck during the first half Thursday, April 19, during the the Florida High School Athletic Association District 4 girls lacrosse championship between Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas. But after the halftime break, the Lady Pirates pulled ahead to defeat FPC, 8-5, and win their first district championship.

Matanzas (10-5) lost to FPC twice during the regular season, and Lady Pirates coach Bill Hanrahan said the team prepared extra for this game.

“(At halftime), I told them to keep doing what they were doing, just doing the fundamentals,” Hanrahan said. “Offensively, we were trying to isolate two particular girls, get two-on-two (matchups) and get them to draw, dump off and shoot. It worked perfectly for us.”

Stephanie Gimenez led the Lady Pirates in scoring with three goals and one assist. Juliann Hanrahan had two goals. Alex Normandin, Megan Shore and Itzar Abad each scored one.

Penalties played a big role in the Lady Bulldogs’ performance. With five penalties, FPC (10-7) was forced to play the second half down two starters.

“They called it a lot tighter,” said FPC coach James Hackett.

The main penalty called during the game was for a dangerous shot.

“It’s a very frustrating rule for every coach and every player,” Hackett said, adding that it’s tough for a player to stop midshot.

Goalscorers for FPC were Kim Ramirez, Nicole Madalena and Elizabeth Salinsky. Goalie Katie Kastner had 16 saves.

Matanzas will likely receive a first-round bye in the state playoffs before hosting a regional matchup Friday, April 27. Check www.PalmCoastObserver.com for updates.