Lady Spartans tripped up in state semi-finals, 1-0

Finish year with 20-3 record, 99 goals scored and only 11 surrendered;By J.J. Kimiecik Florida - Playing without high-scoring Theresa Space who tore her ACL in the state regional game, the Spartans just couldn’t generate enough offense in the state semi-final game, losing 1-0 against York. York came in with a 19-4-1 record from upstate Section 5. Florida matched up with a 20-2 record in Section 9. When teams get this far into the state tournament, talent and experience are the key ingredients. Unfortunately, the Lady Spartans came up just a little short in both departments, especially the experience. Spartan coach Joe DiMattina starts one sophomore, a quartet of freshmen and one eighth-grader. Such a young team ended up with a 20-3 record, 99 goals scored and only 11 goals given up. Along the way there were 14 shutouts. Much credit for that goes to freshman goalkeeper Alina Greiser. “I’m very proud of those girls,” DiMattina said. He said he also was pleased that despite being pressured all game, his team fought back, actually dominating the last 15 minutes with an all-out offensive effort. That effort was highlighted by sophomore Mallory Matuseski’s free kick just outside the penalty area that deflected off York’s goalie’s fingertips and ricocheted off the goal post. That proved to be the last gasp, but it was still a fine season for the splendid Spartans, especially since this year they had moved up to Class C. For DiMattina and several of his players it’s now on to the basketball court where he coaches the girls’ varsity. With leading scorer Space out for the rest of the year, it’s going to be a challenge. Actually nothing new for one of the smallest public schools in Section 9.