from tbo.com

TAMPA - Tampa Prep's afternoon practice Monday didn't appear different than any other for the girls soccer team, as it prepared to defend its 2A state championship starting tonight in a state semifinal match against Delray Beach American Heritage (23-6-2) at University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium.

In fact, Tampa Prep coach Pam Smith admitted there really isn't much physically the Terrapins [17-3-3] could or needed to improve on in its two practices this week to prepare for the team's potential final two matches of the season.

However, being the defending state champions doesn't mean too much at this stage to Smith, because as she puts it, "This isn't that team."

And Smith is right, although the only thing missing on this year's team is two starters from last year, those two starters were a big part. Carrie Field added much-needed experience to a young defense and striker Chelsea Klotz punished and dominated opponents on the way to scoring a state-leading 64 goals last season.

This year, though, Smith says she has something just as valuable: A real team.

"These 18 girls are together on and off this field," Smith said. "Last year, we had great players who came together and were excellent on the field, but when the game was over they all went their separate ways.

"This year we definitely have one team. Together."

Another big change from last season is the inconsistency of the lineup, as injuries and illnesses have nagged at Tampa Prep all season. Senior striker Paige Godwin was unable to play until the midway point of the season while she recovered from knee surgery.

Tampa Prep has had excellent play from freshman forward Colby Maffei, who leads the team with 30 goals, but Maffei missed nine matches with an abdominal strain. Sophomore Jackie Rosenthal missed the district and regional playoffs with an illness.

Throughout, though, the Terrapins have had individuals step forward and keep a consistently good team out on he field. Now all the illnesses and injuries are subsiding in time for the stretch run.

Goodwin and Maffei have been strong in the playoffs. Goodwin has scored 10 of her 15 goals in the Terrapins' district and region play. Along with Maffei, Taylor Richardson (15) and Amber Miller (10), the Terrapins have four players in double-digit scoring for the year.

A young defense consisting of Lauren Knoke, Fer Roberts, Isabel Dalence, Gabby Cook and keeper Jordan Hatton also has matured and improved for the Terrapins.

That defense will be tested by American Heritage, a young team that has just one senior on its roster while it plays two eighth-graders. The Stallions have scored 150 goals this season, while giving up just 15.

It still is the midfield that may be the strongest for the Terrapins. Seniors Megan Wall and Richardson are key to the Terrapins' attack as both have more than 20 assists.

Richardson also adds another intangible as the on-and-off-the-field leader. Richardson takes charge on the field during the games and according to Smith is irreplaceable, acting as player and coach.

"She's half mom, half coach," Smith said of Richardson. "She is a natural leader."

Richardson's leadership is not lost on her fellow teammates and what she means to this team.

"In some ways I think of her as our coach," Hatton said. "Even off of the field if someone is having a bad day, she sees it and is there. She is a big part of the glue the keeps this team together."