HomeTeam Hot Shots
A spotlight on the Times’ bay area players of the week.
Female Hot Shot: Tara-Lyn Vasquez, Springstead
Sport: Soccer
Skinny: The Eagles and rival Nature Coast played to a scoreless tie in their first meeting. Vasquez made sure that didn’t happen last week. She scored both of her team’s goals in the final minutes to help the Eagles claim Hernando County supremacy with a 2-1 comeback victory. The senior forward also scored four goals against Central on Tuesday. Coach Scott Wern credits a recent college offer from Saint Leo for her scoring surge (23 goals, 11 assists). “I think it’s definitely inspired her,” Wern said. “It’s almost like a rejuvenation, I think. It’s kind of rekindled a passion.”
Male Hot Shot: Connor Gilboy, Sunlake
Sport: Soccer
Skinny: Pasco County’s top soccer player had one of the biggest games of his career last week against rival Land O'Lakes. With the top seed in Class 3A, District 7 — and a perfect record — at stake, the Seahawks fell behind 1-0 before Gilboy took over. His 28-yard shot late in the first half tied the score. And with 13:30 to go, last year’s all-North Suncoast first-teamer had his shot deflected into the goal for his 49th of the season and 100th of his career. Gilboy has also attracted Division-I interest and all-North Suncoast honors as a kicker in football after recording 26 touchbacks this fall.