Bishop Moore, Montverde reach finals

Goalie Amanda Hernandez-Cepero and the Bishop Moore midfield and defense returned the defending Class 4A girls soccer state champion to another final on Friday, shutting out Stanton Prep of Jacksonville in a 4-0 home victory.

Katsi Bengoa scored 2 goals, and Victoria Pou and Raelin Miller each added a score for the top-ranked Hornets (19-23), who will play in the state final at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.

The Hornets will vie for their seventh FHSAA championship title because a defensive line led by senior Meagan Booker helped snuff out most of the Blue Devils’ counterattacks, and Sienna Rivera also made several steals in the midfield.

Rivera had a piece of the second goal, and Gabby Garcia set up several more chances.

“It was a team effort” Rivera said. “Stepping up, covering for each other, knowing when to defend and when to attack and not to just jump right in is a good way we started getting steals.”

The Hornets turned a Stanton handball into a 1-0 lead. Bengoa beat the keeper low left with 32:07 left in the first half. Bengoa also scored the final goal with 5:19 left, lofting a shot over the Stanton keeper.

Rivera set up the Hornets’ second score seven minutes later. She dribbled into the Stanton half, then passed left to Avery Jacobs on the sideline. Jacobs centered to Pou, who beat the keeper lower right from the 6-yard box.

Amelia Miller centered to twin sister Raelin Miller, who beat the keeper low left for a 3-0 Bishop Moore lead with 24:48 left in regulation. Bishop Moore coach Amy Gertz awarded the Miller twins the game ball.

Bishop Moore is seeking first repeat title.

“There’s a lot of pressure on us because last year we did a magical win with no seniors,” Pou said. “We just knew we had to do it again because it’s never been done before. We’re super excited to go back, and we hope to win it again.”

By Lynn Ramsey its

Montverde wins region

Montverde Academy (14-2-2), in its first year back in FHSAA state series competition, will play for the 3A championship on Wednesday in DeLand after winning 2-0 against Jacksonville Bolles.

Elsa Stedman and Antonella Mazziotto scored the goals.

The Eagles will play the Nova

Southeastern University School (15-3-3) in the final.

In a 6A semifinal, Oviedo (18-3) lost 3-2 at Gulf Breeze (19-2-1). Ryleigh Holcomb and Payton Pitman scored the goals for the Lions.

STEPHEN M. DOWELL/ Bishop Moore girls soccer players celebrate a goal in their 2022 state chanpionship victory. The Hornets will return to the state final four next week after winning their region final on Friday night.