Cypress Bay finishes 2nd in state for 4th straight season

After finishing as the state runner-up for three consecutive years, the Cypress Bay girls soccer team fell short in another attempt to capture its first state title.

Sophomore Avery Robinson scored two goals to lift Creekside past Cypress Bay 3-1 in the Class 7A state championship at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand Friday afternoon.

Cypress Bay (16-5-1) had won

13 straight games and allowed just nine goals during the season entering the state final. The Lightning also had registered shutout victories in 11 of the past 12 games, but were tested against Creekside’s strong attack.

Cypress Bay trailed 1-0 late in the first half before senior Hannah Mason scored in the

38th minute. The two teams were locked in a 1-1 tie at halftime.

Robinson scored the go-ahead goal in the 51st minute of the second half. Robinson was able to control possession on the dribble inside the box as she worked her way against multiple defenders before drilling a shot into the net.

The Knights were able to seize the momentum and quickly pull away in the 54th minute. Senior Paige McSwigan received a pass in the middle of the box and controlled the ball before firing a shot into the right corner of the net to make it 3-1.

Cypress Bay had a quality scoring chance in the 61st minute. Senior Maddy Brouse was able to get to a loose ball on a rebound, but her shot was denied.

Creekside (19-3-1) had a strong finish in the second half to earn its first state title in school history.

Creekside applied pressure against the Cypress Bay defense during the first half. The Knights missed an early scoring chance after a free kick from outside the box hit the crossbar. The Knights also had opportunities from inside the box, but failed to convert on a ball sent wide of the net while another shot sailed over the net.

Creekside capitalized on a scoring chance during the 17th minute of the first half. Robinson received the ball in the open field and made a cut back move to create space before approaching the box as she fired a shot into the top left corner of the net.

“We knew about her coming in and there is a reason why she is one of the top players,” Cypress Bay coach Kate Dwyer said. “Once she was able to get that shot off, our keeper did not have a chance and it was a beautiful goal.”

The Lightning were able to get the equalizer in the 38th minute. Senior Kamila Mercado sent a crossing pass across the middle in the box toward the direction of Mason, who quickly delivered a strike into the net.

“Hannah is the epitome of a team player who has worked really hard,” Dwyer said. “We have 10 seniors and it’s a group who played together at club and school and they have built friendships. It’s not easy for our seniors.”

Mason finished with a teamhigh 16 goals scored and also had nine assists for the Lightning. Senior Barbara Garcia closed the season with 13 goals and eight assists.

Cypress Bay started the playoff run with a 2-0 victory against Cooper City in the regional quarterfinal. The Lightning crushed Stoneman Douglas 6-0 in the regional semifinal, defeated Palmetto 2-1 in the regional final and rolled past Boca Raton 3-0 in the state semifinal. Cypress Bay reached the state final for four consecutive seasons.

“We were scrappy all season and we were able to do it with hard work,” Dwyer said. “They had to accept different roles and learn new positions and they were able to push through. We did not give up. I am just proud of them.”