Box Score LAKELAND, Fla. – In its fifth match played over a span of seven days, Polk State Soccer was victorious on Sophomore Night, winning 2-0 over Ave Maria University JV. This marked the Eagles' seventh shutout of the season and their third consecutive.
 
The Eagles (9-4-1) dominated the possession battle throughout the entirety of the contest, outshooting the Gyrenes (4-6-2), 35-3. They held the advantage in corner kicks 7-3.
 
Despite the sizable possession advantage, Polk struggled to finish its chances in the first half, with all 11 of Polk's first-half shots on frame being saved by AMU goalkeeper Ariana Dale.
 
The Eagles and the Gyrenes took a 0-0 deadlock to the half.
 
Polk State broke through in the 54th minute when freshman forward Madison Caustic tapped in a cross in the box from sophomore midfielder Melissa Del Valle. The goal was Caustic's fourth of the season and the helper was Del Valle's second.
 
The Eagles doubled their advantage in the 71st minute after Edjenie Jospeh was fouled by Dale in the box, which resulted in a yellow card and a penalty kick opportunity for freshman defender Grayce Kidwell. The Winter Haven native successfully blasted the penalty kick past the Ave Maria keeper for Polk's second goal of the day and Kidwell's second strike on the year.
 
Replacing an injured Ella Sebree in the 67th minute, freshman goalkeeper Ryann Stephens saved the only two shots on frame the Gyrenes mustered to help preserve the Polk lead and the shutout.
 
"We struggled early to put away our chances," shared Polk State Head Coach Dee Shivraman. "These girls have been playing a lot of soccer over the last week and it was great to see their resilience to keep fighting and finish the match."
 
Following the conclusion of the contest, the seven graduating Polk State sophomores were honored with a special presentation alongside friends, family members, and pets.
 
"It is always a delight to honor individuals who have had such an impact on a program like this sophomore class," added Shivraman. "They have represented and lead this program well and I am excited to see what the next chapter brings for each of them."
 
Polk State now shifts its gaze to the postseason, as the Eagles head to Melbourne on Thursday for the Region 8 semifinal match against Daytona State College. Match time is set for 6 p.m.