MHS girls soccer team buoyed by Islanders
by Kevin Cassidy
Islander Correspondent
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| Islanders all: Christina Papazian, Sean Edwards, Erine Mulrine, Ally Titsworth, Mackenzie Kosfeld, Alexis Owens and Coach Jeff Nelson are contributors to the Manatee High School girl's soccer team. Islander Photo: Kevin Cassidy |
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| Manatee High School Her-icane midfielder Erin Mulrine tackles the ball away from a Tallahassee Lincoln High School player during soccer action at the Timberwolf Classic in Tallahassee. Islander Photo: Kevin Cassidy |
The Manatee High School girl’s JV and varsity soccer teams have a strong contingent of Islanders, including JV coach Jeff Nelson, an Island resident for six years. Nelson, who played soccer at MHS in the early stages of high school soccer has been at the helm of the JV program for eight years and last year led his team to an undefeated season.
This year’s team has gotten off to a bit of a slow start, tying the first game against Sarasota 0-0 and losing its second game at Venice by a 4-1 score. Since then, the Lady Canes JV squad has gone 3-0-1 in their last four games, including a 5-0 win over Sarasota Riverview on Dec. 4.
Sophomores Mackenzie Kosfeld and Alexis Owens are two of the Islanders who are contributing to the success of the JV team. Owens, who has lived on the Island for two years starts at midfield and is in her second season on the team. She has an impressive 3.5 grade-point average and wants to attend the University of South Florida and study marine biology.
Kosfeld, a life-long Islander is also in her second year with the JV team. She is a starter at left defense and also plays on the JV volleyball team for MHS. Kosfeld, the granddaughter of Islander cartoonist Jack Egan has a 2.7 GPA and wants to study photography at Florida State University after high school.
The varsity squad is loaded with Island girls. Junior Sean Edwards, an Island resident for 12 years, is in her first varsity season after playing two years on the JV team, including last year when she served as one of two team captains. Edwards, who plays midfield, has compiled an impressive 3.7 GPA, and is currently undecided on what college she will attend.
When asked what she likes best about her current team, she said, “I really like the camaraderie of the team and how all of the girls have become such good friends. We all have a love of soccer and we work together so well that it’s always fun!”
Sophomore Erin Mulrine is in her second season as a starter at central midfield for the Her-icanes. She has lived on the Island for four years and has compiled a lofty 3.5 GPA. Mulrine hopes to attend and play soccer at the University of Florida. She said she’s impressed with how close her teammates are. “It’s amazing how much of a team we are and how well we play together.”
Junior Christina Papazian, a five-year resident of Longboat Key is in her third season as a member of the Her-icanes. Papazian, starting goalie, earned all-area honors as a freshman and she’s back in good form after enduring a knee injury that sidelined her for her entire sophomore season. She has accumulated six shutouts and has allowed only three goals in eight games for an incredible 0.37 goals-against average. Papazian also is excelling in the classroom with an almost perfect 3.9 GPA that she hopes will propel her to medical school. She also wants to play soccer at the University of Florida. When asked what she likes about playing on the varsity soccer team, Papazian said, “I enjoy decorating the MOM (Man of the Match Gatorade bottle) and look forward to beating Lakewood Ranch this year.”
Ally Titsworth, a sophomore and life-long Islander is in her first full season on the varsity squad, though she did get some great experience playing with the varsity team during last year’s district and regional playoffs. She currently leads the 8-2-1 Her-icanes team in scoring with seven goals and two assists. Titsworth also is excelling in the classroom with an impressive 3.8 GPA. She wants to play soccer in college, preferably at a Florida school. Unfortunately for Titsworth, and her Her-icane teammates, she sprained her ankle after scoring the winning goal against Charlotte High School on Dec. 2. She is undergoing therapy and hopes to resume playing in a few weeks. Titsworth is enjoying her time on the varsity team. “I really like the group of girls. Everyone and everything is so much fun.”
The Island girls are hoping for bigger and better things as the season heads to the District 12 tournament in January. Congratulations girls and good luck, from your varsity coach and sports reporter.
Haile edges King in basketball final
Haile Middle School earned an exciting come-from-behind victory over King Middle School on Oct. 30. The two teams battled it out in a back-and-forth contest that saw several lead changes in front of a packed house at Haile Middle.
With a little over a minute left to play, Haile Middle tied the game at 20-20 on a basket by Alexis Stout. Stout then assisted on the winning basket when she passed to Ann Skokos, who converted the game-winning shot with 40 seconds left to play.
Skokos led Haile Middle with 10 points, while Stout added eight points in the victory. King Middle School player Becca Butler, also an Island basketball player, led all scorers with 11 points. King Middle was also represented by Islanders Mallory Kosfeld, Kayla Armer and Savannah Schield.
Center roundball starts up
Anna Maria Island Community Center Basketball League is ready for a season of games that run through the Christmas holiday season at the Center gym, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.
The public is welcome to attend games and the Center offers a concession stand for refreshments to accompany the action.
For information, call the Center at 941-778-1908.
Premier Division (ages 14-17)
Dec. 108 p.m.Ralph’s vs. IRE
Dec. 1310 a.m.IRE vs. A Paradise
Dec. 1311 a.m.Ralph’s vs. Academy
Dec. 158 p.m.Ralph’s vs. A Paradise
Division I (ages 12-13)
Dec. 118 p.m.Dips vs. Fronius
Dec. 128 p.m.Dips vs. IFP
Dec. 13noonFronius vs. IFP
Dec. 168 p.m.IFP vs. Dips
Division II (ages 10-11)
Dec. 117 p.m.Panoramic vs. Observer
Dec. 127 p.m.E-Training vs. Sand Dollar
Dec. 131 p.m.Panoramic vs. Sand Dollar
Dec. 132 p.m.E-Training vs. Observer
Dec. 167 p.m.Panoramic vs. E-Training
Division III (ages 8-9)
Dec. 107 p.m.Jessie’s vs. Ross Built
Dec. 116 p.m.Coastal vs. A&E
Dec. 133 p.m.Jessie’s vs. A&E
Dec. 134 p.m.Coastal vs. Ross Built
Dec. 157 p.m.Ross Built vs. A&E
Dec. 166 p.m.Jessie’s vs. Coastal
Instructional League (ages 5-7)
Dec. 106 p.m.Bistro vs. Sandbar
Dec. 126 p.m.Walter vs. Bistro
Dec. 135 p.m.Walter vs. Sandbar
Dec. 156 p.m.Sandbar vs. Bistro |
