NEW PORT RICHEY — Top-seeded Mitchell looked every bit an undefeated team in its 4-0 takedown of Wiregrass Ranch in the Class 4A, District 8 semifinals.
Mitchell (21-0) hosts Sickles (10-4-1) in tonight’s final. Mitchell won the regular-season matchup 4-1.
Freshman Sabrina Wagner scored her 35th and 36th goals for Mitchell. And senior Danielle Gottwick, who didn’t play when the Mustangs edged Wiregrass 2-1 in the regular season, controlled the midfield and had three assists.
“(Gottwick) made a big difference for us,” said Wagner.
The Bulls’ only chance was goalie Amanda Melosky, a basketball standout playing just her seventh game this season. And for about 20 minutes, it seemed possible as the 5-foot-11 Melosky kept the game scoreless.
But Balea Schumacher solved Melosky, using the outside of her foot to flick in a shot. Freshman Noah Stokes made it 2-0 six minutes later with a header off Baylor Cherry’s corner kick.
“The goalie was very good,” Gottwick said. “She’s pretty tall, so we tried to shoot low on her.”
That’s how both of Wagner’s second-half scores, each on a Gottwick setup, went in.
Wiregrass Ranch (14-6-2) did not get a shot on net until 26 minutes remained in the game.
“Our ultimate goal is to go to state,” Gottwick said. “Our team chemistry is better this year. Everyone plays to each other’s strengths very well.”