Terrapins Staying Grounded Before Region Final

Posted Feb 5, 2009 by Nick Murray

Updated Feb 5, 2009 at 07:23 PM

Tampa Prep’s girls soccer team is confident entering Friday night’s Class 2A-Region 3 final against Bradenton St. Stephen’s. After all, when the two teams played in Bradenton earlier this season, the defending state champion Terrapins came home with a 2-0 victory.

But after the way the Terrapins played in the first half against Indian Rocks Christian on Tuesday night, they’re not going to be overconfident.

“We went in there [against Indian Rocks] with a confident attitude, but not too confident,” midfielder Taylor Richardson said. “We were thinking, ‘this is a game we should win, and work hard in, but let’s think about how we can set ourselves up for the next game and preparation,’ and the first half was one of the worst halves we’ve ever played. It was a heads-up about not coming out overconfident.”

Tampa Prep still recorded an impressive 6-0 win against the Golden Eagles, with senior Paige Goodwin and freshman Colby Maffei each scoring twice. Maffei has scored 27 goals this season to lead the Terrapins, and is eager to reach the final four after hearing stories from her teammates.

“They said it’s absolutely the best feeling in the world,” Maffei said. “It’s hands-down one of their best accomplishments in their life, so I’m excited to get there.”

Richardson adds that it would be additionally great to reach the final four now the final stage of the tournament is going to be held across the street from Tampa Prep at Pepin Stadium.

“That was one of my reasons to advance,” Richardson said. “Obviously I would love a state title, but for it to be my senior year, and for it to be at UT and our headmaster, should we advance, will have the whole school go, is great. We’re so excited for that, and hope we represent our school well.”