Box Score MELBOURNE — The first Region 8 win of the year for Polk State Soccer continues to be elusive. The Eagles landed some big counterpunches on Monday night, but it was not enough in a 4-2 loss to No. 17 Eastern Florida State College.

After Tiggi Gent got the scoring started for the Titans on a penalty kick, Noemi Casique showed tremendous determination, scoring from 30 yards out for the equalizer in the 30th minute. The goal was the ninth for the sophomore from Davenport in her last five matches. Dylan Fernandez was credited with the assist.

Eastern Florida State went ahead for good five minutes later when Victoria Pou Verona was able to sneak one past Polk State goalkeeper Leona Kraus. The Titans led 2-1 at halftime and extended their lead to 3-1 early in the second half but Polk State (3-5, 0-4 Region 8) refused to go quietly.

Zoe Torres showed some nifty footwork to find the net in the 82nd minute to cut the lead to 3-2. Delight Kuboya and Thina Ganto combined for the assist. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Eastern Florida put the match away on a goal from Lili Baidoe with less than five minutes remaining.

With the defeat, Polk State has now lost eight straight Region 8 regular season matches dating back to last season. The Eagles will try to change that when they host No. 13 Miami Dade College on Wednesday.