Box Score DAYTONA BEACH – It could still be a happy homecoming for Daytona State College, but Polk State Soccer did its part to put a damper on it early Saturday. The Eagles dominated in a pivotal Region 8 showdown with a 5-2 victory.
No. 20 Polk State (8-1, 1-1 Region 8) bounced back from its first loss of the season in a big way.
Raisa Lugo and
Celine Ottah each scored goals in Wednesday night's 3-2 loss to No. 1 Eastern Florida State College and in the first half on Saturday, they did it again.
Lugo converted on a penalty kick to get the scoring started in the 25th minute. Less than four minutes later, Ottah found the back of the net following a beautiful through ball from
Lovelie Pierre.
Pierre tallied a career-high five points, finishing with a goal and three assists. Polk State led 2-0 at the break and doubled its advantage less than three minutes into the second half.
In the second half, it was the Pierre and
Marcella Koasne show. Koasne was assisted by Pierre to find the net in the first minute of the second half. Less than two minutes later, the roles were reversed as Koasne set up Pierre's seventh goal of the season.
Alexis Harden broke up the shutout for No. 13 Daytona State in the 52nd minute, but the Eagles answered almost immediately as Koasne headed in a beautiful cross from Pierre in the 53rd minute. Alejanda Espinosa doubled the Falcons' goal total and capped the scoring in the 71st minute.
For the most part, Polk State dominated the contest, finishing with 24 shots to just 12 for Daytona State. Goalkeeper
Sophia Nicholls recorded a season-high six saves in the victory. For Polk State, the victory not only avenged its first defeat of the season, but it served as its first win ever at Daytona State.
"Every team is going to face difficulties throughout their season and I'm extremely proud of how we are learning and growing with every game," Head Coach Jess Belli said. "I'm so very proud of this team. We are Polk State!"
The Eagles will have a short turnaround as they return home to face Pasco-Hernando State College on Monday. Start time is slated for 4 p.m.
