Defying all odds, Palmetto girls’ soccer team is moving on past regional finals. This is the first time in six years that the girls’ soccer team is going to States. Palmetto defeated American on February 4 with a score of 1-0. In the first half, Mathidle Rodinson scored the winning goal.

“I had this rush of adrenaline when I saw the ball in back of the net,” Robinson said. “I was the happiest person in the world when the referee blew the whistle and I knew we were going to states!”

Thus far, the Lady Panthers’ record is 24-1-1. The girls have been working hard all season to get to this stage.

“We worked too hard for our season to end now,” Erika Avanic said. “We will have to give our all to make it far in States.”

Avanic, the starting goalie, seems confident in her team to take home the title of state champions. The girls have high hopes and expectations to do well in the semi-finals, which takes place on February 11 in Tampa. If the girls win, they will move on to the finals on February 12.

“We poured our hearts out for the 80 minutes of the game,” Sofia Diaz de Villegas said. “I am extremely excited and pumped for states.”

Even if you cannot make it to Tampa, come to Tutti Frutti and Sir Pizza on February 9. 15 percent of the proceeds that night will go to the Lady Panthers to help them pay for all the expenses at States.