Plant High girls win lacrosse championship

TAMPA

The Plant High girls lacrosse team defeated Wesley Chapel last weekend 8-7 to win the West Florida Lacrosse League championship.

Sloane Henry scored the third of her three goals on an assist from Sofia Emond for the game winner Saturday.

"It was just a back and forth game for most of it," coach Heather Werry said. "It was a phenomenal win for this team."

Henry's goal came with about 14 minutes to play, and the Panthers were able to hold off Wesley Chapel for the remainder.

"I was pacing back and forth nonstop," Werry said. "I was holding my breath just hoping we could hold on to that lead."

Caitlin Smith added a pair of goals for the Panthers.

Plant also received some notable recognition Saturday, with five players named to the WFLL All Star game. Goalie Bekah Kleiner, defender Alex Mathews, Henry, Smith and Emond were all chosen to represent the South team. Smith and Mathews were also named to the U.S. Lacrosse All Academic team.

Wharton boys complete perfection: The Wharton boys lacrosse team wrapped up an unbeaten season with a 10-7 win over Plant in the West Florida Lacrosse League championship.

Led by coach Don McCall, the Wildcats went 17-0, winning by an impressive average margin of 11.4 goals.

Knights flag football comes up short: Robinson's record-setting flag football season came to a close last week when the Knights lost to Orlando Dr. Phillips 20-13 in the state quarterfinals.

"The girls were very upset," coach Josh Saunders said. "You could really tell they cared and put their hearts into this season."

The Knights won their first district title and first playoff game in school history this year, finishing the season ranked No. 3 in the state.

"They accomplished so much this year, and I am extremely proud of this team," Saunders said.

Robinson got a pair of TD passes from Deliah Autry against Dr. Phillips, one to Catherine Smith and the other to Crystal Ortiz. The Panthers broke a 13-all tie on a 10-yard TD pass with 42 seconds remaining for the game-winner.

The Knights got on the board first and took a 13-6 lead into halftime but gave up a 44-yard rushing TD, the first score Robinson surrendered on the ground all season.

"We missed four flags on that run," Saunders said.

Robinson was whistled for pass interference on the ensuing extra point attempt and on their second try, the Panthers were successful to tie it at 13.

Hoop It Up: Students at Bloomingdale will have the chance to take on their teachers in basketball tonight at 7 when the school hosts a basketball game to support benefit Lyrics for Life, a charity devoted to helping end pediatric cancer.

Tickets cost $5 and 100 percent of proceeds go to Lyrics for Life. In addition, the Beef 'O' Brady's on Bell Shoals Avenue will host a Spirit Night at the restaurant this evening, with 10 percent of all sales going to the charity.

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Collins recognized: Former Plant standout Grace Collins won a pair of prestigious awards for Barry University last month.

Collins earned the Neill L. Miller Scholar Athlete of the Year and President's Award, presented annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership through engagement in the life of the university and in the wider community.

Collins plays outfield for Barry, which is currently ranked No. 13 in the latest NCAA Division II Softball poll, and she is ranked sixth all-time at the school with a .364 batting average.

She is scheduled to graduate this month with a dual degree in history and philosophy and a 3.85 cumulative grade point average. Collins has also volunteered with a number of organizations during her time at Barry, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.