Recap by Natalia Lopez
On Friday night, the P.K. Yonge girls soccer team took on the Atlantic Coast Stingrays (Jacksonville). The Blue Wave who were coming off a loss against St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park), bounced back and defeated the Stingrays with a 2-1 win.
“We knew this would be a hard-fought battle tonight on the field,” P.K. Yonge coach Rebecca Schackow said. “We knew it was going to be tough to outplay and out-strategize them.”
The Blue Wave (3-2) opened the game with strong possession, excellent field coverage, and smooth passing among the players.
Early in the first half, the Blue Wave team showcased an aggressive attacking style and consistently pressured the Stingrays.
“They are definitely trying to get to every ball first and win the ball because the Stingrays are very talented with the ball.” Schackow said.
In the first half of the game, P.K. Yonge left their mark with a goal from senior Faith Hardy, assisted by senior Mae Dodd. The intense chemistry and communication from this senior captain duo on the field set the tone for the game.
P.K. Yonge’s defense also played a pivotal role. Freshman Lily Tomlinson made an impact as an outside back throughout the game.
“She did a great job shutting down the speed on that side of the field.” Schackow said.
Tomlinson blocked many opportunities by the Stingrays to score goals for the first half of the game.
However, a breakthrough from the Stingrays landed an opportunity to cut through the Blue Wave’s defense within the middle of the second half.
Junior Norah Pancoast maintained an empty net with the exception of an own goal off a defender on a cross from Atlantic Coast senior Taliah Brooks, which found the back of the net for a score of 1-1.
Sophomore Bella Young showed her spirit and energy throughout the game, learning to be a center mid, adding depth to P.K. Yonge’s lineup.
In the second half of the game, the dynamic duo of Hardy and Dodd struck again with the assist from Dodd and the game-winning goal from Hardy that secured a 2-1 lead for P.K. Yonge.
“Their future is bright, this season on the soccer team but also beyond,” Schackow said about her team’s performance and their potential.
As the Thanksgiving break approaches, the Lady Blue Wave remain focused, staying in shape to prepare for their next game on December 3rd against the Buchholz Bobcats.
