As the seconds ticked by during the second overtime of the district game, it was clear that the Lady Raiders and the Lady Terriers would be going head to head in a penalty kick shootout. 

The game on Wednesday, January 18, between Rockledge and Titusville was anything but boring. It was clear from the beginning that both teams wanted the victory. The referee gave yellow cards to three of Rockledge’s strong players, Myiah Richard, Jordan Humbert, and Jazelle Richard, as well as many free kicks in favor of Titusville. A constant, equal match was played, and by the end of the game, the score was tied, 0-0.

When a soccer game ends in a tie during a district tournament, the game continues for two, ten minute periods or until the first goal is scored.  After playing a full game for 80 minutes, both teams were undoubtedly exhausted.  Adding 20 minutes did not help either team, and after the additional overtime, the score was still 0-0.

Karlyn Prisco, goalkeeper for Rockledge, was tensing up. While taking a penalty kick is nerve wracking for any player, having to block five as a keeper is even more so.  Five of her teammates, Margot Christensen, Jazelle Richard, Molly Meade, Jordan Humbert, and Heather Buck, all lined up to take kicks.

Christensen, Meade, and Humbert all scored goals, and Prisco blocked three of the other team’s five shots, making the final score 3-2, Rockledge beating Titusville, and continuing to the Class 3A district finals for a game against the Merritt Island Mustangs.

The district finals took place, Friday, January 20, and many supporters showed up to cheer the Raiders on. The fans displayed intriguing signs—one stating “RHS HAS HOTTER GIRLS”—and other enthusiasts used pompoms, cheering and foot stomping to show their support.

While spirits were high in the crowd, the match was serious between players and coaches.  A bitter rivalry between the teams was apparent and both teams fought hard. 

With less than ten minutes remaining in the first half, the Mustangs scored the first goal; and with two minutes left, they scored the second goal.  The second half of the game was even more intense than the first, although the Lady Raiders were not able to pull a win. Due to their phenomenal regular season and being runner-up, Rockledge will still continue on to the regional playoffs.

For the first time since 2008, the Lady Raiders will compete in the playoffs.  Their game is Tuesday, January 24, in Auburndale.