Community School girls' bad luck continues

from Naples Daily News

Coach Eric Miles and the Community School girls soccer team have had a tough few days.

Those ended with an 8-0 loss at Bradenton-St. Stephen’s Episcopal in the Class 2A regional quarterfinals on Thursday.

The Seahawks (11-6-3) played most of the game with their fourth-string goalkeeper, and without senior fullback Christine Graffy.

The bad stretch started Friday, when first-string goalkeeper Olivia Lynch tore an ankle ligament in the team’s district title match. On Monday, backup Blanca Abney severely sprained her ankle.

Then, two minutes into Thursday night’s game, third-string goalkeeper Sara Eklund collided with Graffy. Both suffered concussions.

“After that, it was really scrambling for players,’’ said Miles, in his first year as coach. “St. Stephen’s has a good team. It could have been a lot more competitive if I had everybody.’’

Miles said Brittany Novak and Taylor Rembos stood out, and was pleased with how his team played in the second half after trailing 6-0 at the half. St. Stephen’s scored its eighth goal during injury time.

“It was a great season,’’ Miles said. “I’m really proud of them. It’s a great first year, and we’ve got a lot to look forward to.’’