Auburndale girls advance to semis in 5A-7 soccer tournament
AUBURNDALE — Auburndale was hit hard by graduation, so this was a rebuilding year, as the team has hovered around .500 all season.
The Bloodhounds, however, aren't ready to see their season end.
Led by a couple of multi-sport standouts, Auburndale shut out Gateway 4-0 on Wednesday night in the opening round of the Class 5A, District 7 girls soccer tournament at Bruce Canova Stadium.
Auburndale (6-6-1) will play at New Smyrna Beach in the semifinals . Lake Wales (7-4-2) also advanced with a 4-2 win over Daytona Beach Mainland and will play at Lake Minneola. Both games are at 7 pm. on Monday.
Junior forward Peyton Battilla, who was a state qualifier in tennis last season, scored two goals. Alaney Hancock, who will compete in the regional girls weightlifting meet on Saturday, had one goal and one assist.
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"I think we're playing pretty good," Battilla said. "We lost a couple of players from last year, but it all kind of came together and (we) work as one. I think it is making us stronger not having to depend on two individuals. So I think we're playing better as a team this year."
Auburndale got off to a fast start and led 2-0 at halftime. Braley Williams scored in the seventh minute, and Battilla scored off an assist from Madison Newbern with about five minutes left in the first half.
"For me, once we get up that first goal, my nerves break, " Battilla said. "You never know what's going to happen. You could have a deflection off a defender and it's an own goal. You're down, and you're playing chase all game."
Auburndale had enough goals but still added two goals in the second half.
At the midpoint of the half, Mia Cinquanti made a run down the right side and centered to Battilla in front. The ball deflected off players, and Hancock buried her shot.
Hancock then set up Battilla, who scored with about 10 minutes left.
Defensively, the Bloodhounds got strong play from goalkeeper Emma Crawford.
"They could have had a couple of goals on us," Auburndale coach Tawanda Kaseke said. "She definitely did a good job. She made some tough stops."
Kaseke is happy with how his team played and how it has progressed in this rebuilding season.
"So far, we're getting better every game," he said. "We're at our best than we've ever been this season We've been getting better at the right time.
7A-5: Dr. Phillips 7, Haines City 0
Haines City ends its season 7-10-2.
6A-6: Lake Gibson 2, Bartow 0
The Braves advanced to the district semifinals and will play at George Jenkins on Friday.
Gabby Figueroa led the Braves with a goal, and she assisted on Ali Simonies goal. Kierra Hoiler picked up an assist on Figueroa's goal.
Raven Henry was steady in goal for the Braves with nine saves.
Boys Soccer
7A-5: Olympia 8, Haines City 0
The Hornets end the season 7-8-3.
Roy Fuoco can be reached at roy.fuoco@theledger.com or at 863-802-7526. Follow him on Twitter: @RoyFuoco.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Auburndale girls advance to semis in 5A-7 soccer tournament
