TAMPA — Last week, Calvary Christian earned its first postseason bid following a win in the district tournament.
The achievements continue to pile up for the burgeoning Warriors girls soccer program.
Behind a stout back line and a two-goal effort from sophomore forward Hannah Brookover, Calvary Christian defeated Carrollwood Day 3-0 in a Class A region quarterfinal.
“I think that the team is definitely pretty mature for how young they are,” Calvary coach Rollin Mohler said.
Brookover scored in the 18th minute to give Calvary (14-5) a first-half lead. Libby Wissman floated a cross from the left wing toward the near post, where Brookover volleyed a right-footed shot past goalie Stevie Schweitzer (six saves).
“The pass was perfect, and, luckily, I was able to put it in,” Brookover said.
Carrollwood Day (12-4-1) pressed for the equalizer in the second half and nearly capitalized with 11 minutes to go when defender Alexis Schweitzer — pushed up into the attack moments earlier — received the ball on a breakaway. She blasted a ball at Calvary goalie Kelsey Karmele (seven saves) from 15 yards, but Karmele blocked the ball away with her body.
“I was really nervous,” said Karmele, who hadn’t played soccer prior to this season and was third string on Calvary’s depth chart but forced into starting duty due to injuries. “I just kind of knelt down, and it hit me. I honestly wasn’t expecting it to hit me, but I’m really glad it did.”
Three minutes later, Calvary secured the win after freshman Kaylyn Burroughs led a counterattack down the middle of the field, dribbling from the midfield stripe to deep inside the box and ricocheting a shot off the goalie and into the back of the net.
“Calvary finished their chances and we didn’t,” CDS coach Donna Holyman said.
Brookover deposited a rebound into the goal in the 78th minute for her second goal.
Carrollwood Day finishes its season having also advanced to the postseason for the first time.