BURROWS COMMITS TO GATORS

Wharton girls midfielder Brittany Burrows has committed to the University of Florida, and will sign with the Gators during the NCAA signing period next month.

Burrows, who suffered two torn ACL's during in 2006, one in January, the other in December, would join former local standouts Caitlin Howard (Sickles) and Vanessa Rangel (Freedom) on the Gators roster for next season.

WILDCATS GOALKEEPER OUT WITH SHOULDER INJURY

Wharton girls sophomore goalkeeper Rachel Beninati was injured in on a play in the Wildcats' 2-1 loss to Winter Haven in the Sarasota Holiday Classic Tournament. Beninati broke her right collarbone midway through the Wildcats' final match of the tourney on Dec. 20.

Last season, Beninati suffered a leg injury late in the season and was unable to play for Wharton in the district tournament.

HEITLINGER READY FOR RETURN

Plant girls starting outside halfback Stacy Heitlinger, who has missed the last seven matches with a torn left MCL, is ready to return to the field according to coach Stephen McGill.

"She gives us a tremendous presence," McGill said. "She beats any fullback – beats them like a drum."

Heitlinger had three assists and one goal prior to her injury and McGill said she adds a tremendous threat with her crosses.

"She sends beautiful balls across the goal and really opens up our left side with great services," McGill said. "She is really fun to watch."

GIRLS TOP TEAMS

1. Plant (13-1-1) – Plant went undefeated in the Sarasota Holiday Classic, but were held out of the finals by a goal differential decider. The Panthers did pick up a big win against Bloomingdale (the only team to beat Plant this season) and a tie against undefeated Ft. Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

2. Newsome (16-4) – Newsome lost a tough 1-0 match against Cardinal Gibbons in the Sarasota tournament final but won matches against Tampa Prep, Wharton, Durant and Winter Haven.

3. Bloomingdale (9-2-2) – The Bulls had two tough losses to Plant and Cardinal Gibbons in the Sarasota Holiday Classic, but are still a powerhouse in the county. Bloomingdale will look to rebound after the tourney with Riverview on Friday.

4. Tampa Prep (9-2) – The Terrapins fell in a tough 2-0 match to Newsome in Sarasota and will return to soccer with a tough match against Berkeley Prep on Saturday in the Headmaster's Challenge.

5. Berkeley Prep (12-2-1) – The Buccaneers are on a four-game winning streak and are leading the way in 3A-9, but have some tough tests ahead with Lakeland Jenkins tonight and Tampa Prep on Saturday.

GIRLS TOP PERFORMERS

Connor Zwetsch, Plant – The sophomore has seven goals on the season, including a game decider in the 71st minute against Bloomingdale in the Sarasota Holiday Classic.

Taylor Richardson, Berkeley Prep – The Buccaneers have a big weapon in the sophomore who leads the team with 18 goals, including a hat trick in an 8-0 win against Keswick Christian on Dec. 13.

Melissa Adams, Wharton – The Wildcats junior forward/midfielder has 10 goals on the season, including two in a 7-3 win against Plant City on Tuesday.

Karina Gutsche, Newsome – The sophomore has filled in wherever the Wolves have needed her this season playing sweeper, forward and midfield. Wolves coach Kelly Townsend said Gutsche has most likely found a home in the midfield, where she played and scored a goal in the teams 4-0 win against Durant on Tuesday

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