WEST PALM BEACH | King's Academy is going to the Class 2A state tournament for the first time in school history after its 2-0 win over Lakeland Christian on Friday.

After the teams played a defensive-minded first half, Lions midfielder Gilda Doria made her presence felt with 28 minutes remaining. Doria scored on a long, arching shot from about 30 yards out over a leaping goalkeeper to give the Lions (22-4-3) a 1-0 lead.

"I just found myself in space and made the shot," Doria said. "I was so excited when I saw it go in because I knew it meant so much."

King's Academy coach Glenn Martin said Doria's play never ceases to amaze him.

"That was just a phenomenal shot by a big-time player," Martin said. "In a game like that, a leader steps up and makes something happen. When she did that, we all felt like we just saw something special happen."

Possibly just as impressive as Doria's shot was the way the Lions' defense played in the second half, when it held the Vikings (16-6-3) to only two shots on goal.