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Region finalists share tenacity

By STEVE LEE
Published February 23, 2005

LAND O'LAKES - The way his team bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Wesley Chapel gave Land O'Lakes coach Mark Pearson a revelation.

Not since 2000-01 had the Gators shaken off a bad game without fretting about a repeat performance. This squad, Pearson thought, had the makings of a state contender.

A 6-1-2 record since that loss to the Wildcats left the Gators within one game of a third state appearance. Land O'Lakes, which lost 4-2 to Lakeland George Jenkins in Friday's Class 5A, Region 2 final, made state in 1999 and 2000.

"I knew we had the potential to go a long way," Pearson said of the team's postseason run. "I didn't realize it until after the Christmas break."

Mitchell girls coach Karl Kukec offered a similar refrain. The Mustangs also lost in a region final, 2-1 in overtime, to Jenkins. But unlike the Land O'Lakes boys, Mitchell had never made it that far.

"I'm proud of the girls that we went that far," Kukec said. "We've been in the running for three years."

Mitchell has won three straight district titles and before this season made back-to-back region semifinals. Kukec feels his team is extremely close to taking it to the next level and competing for a state crown.

"The more high-pressure games you play the more your players get used to those situations," Kukec said. "After so many times they adapt to it."

Mitchell had more balance than any team in school history.

The fifth-year Mustangs were led by the county's top two scoring leaders - Lauren Schenk (54 goals, 129 points) and Lea Weber (32 goals, 88 points) - and had the county's best goalkeeper in Lauren Hudson (0.90 goals-against average, school-record 14 shutouts).

As for depth, there was no defense tougher than Kaitlin Lavin, Lindsey Sowder, Amanda Graham and Erin Fogarty. Add midfielders Rebekah Stockowski, Morgan Shellenberger and Leslie Sowder and you have a 23-4-1 record.

"I have players that I'm convinced will step up and carry the torch," Kukec said.

The Land O'Lakes boys (17-4-2) lacked the balance and standout leaders Mitchell had. What the Gators did have is a commitment to defense, strong will and all-for-one approach.

"There was no animosity, no factions," Pearson said. "It was just one team. It's been quite a while since I've had that."

Pearson said the season "didn't end the way I wanted it to end, but two championships - the 5A-5 title and a share of the Sunshine Athletic Conference crown with Hudson - that was pretty good."

Like the Mitchell girls, the Land O'Lakes boys had the county's best keeper. Kyle Boerner had a 1.00 GAA with 10 shutouts and revealed his versatility by scoring twice on penalty kicks in the playoffs.

Senior Ryan Martin led the Gators in scoring with 13 goals and 40 points, capping a four-year varsity career by scoring his team's last goal of the season.

"He was my utility guy," said Pearson, who shuffled Martin from forward, to midfield, to the wings. "I kept moving him and he was productive all the time."

[Last modified February 23, 2005, 00:35:16]