GAME FILM: Dr. Phillips girls soccer tops West Orange in district final, 1-0

WINTER GARDEN  A header by senior Caitlyn Brown elevated the Dr. Phillips girls soccer team onto the scoreboard Friday night and, a little over 10 minutes later, into the school's record books.

The goal, scored with just under 11 minutes to play in the Class 5A District 4 Final, gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish. The district championship is the first in the program's history.

"It's unreal," said senior Shae Vevera. "This is what we've worked for since my freshman year."

Sophomore goalie Launa Foreman picked up her 13th shutout of the season.

The victory came just a day after the Panthers (14-5) defeated rival Olympia in the semifinals, 2-0, to secure a playoff berth. Taking on two rivals in two days — with so much on the line — was no small task, explained Dr. Phillips head coach Ashley Womack.

"It's extremely tough because they're such huge rivals," Womack said. "So to come and have to beat them back-to-back, it was a mental game more than anything. The girls had to overcome that obstacle first in order to win."

As district champions, the Panthers will get to host their regional quarterfinal matchup Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. against the loser of the District 3 Final between Oviedo and Lake Mary. As runner-up, the Warriors will have to travel to take on the winner of that same contest.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].