The Palm Harbor University High School Hurricanes Girls Soccer team defeated Lakeland George Jenkins 3-1 to win the State 5A championship for the fourth time in school history Saturday.  Led by Coach John Planamenta for his 201st high school coaching win, the Canes success over ESPN #2 ranked Eagles was helped by a goal from the Palm Harbor Nighthawks U15 Girls Premier player Anja Decker in the second half only two minutes after joining the game to take the lead for the second and final time.  The other Canes goals were both scored by Catherine Brinkman, the second on a PK following a foul in the box.  PHU ended Lakeland’s 59 game streak - the Eagles had not lost a game since Jan. 30, 2007. 

Articles about the game appeared in the Sunday St. Petersburg Times (http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/preps/article976134.ece) and the Lakeland Ledger at (www.theledger.com/article/20090214/NEWS/902140287/1076/YOURTOWN23) and (www.theledger.com/article/20090214/NEWS/902140365/1008/SPORTS01) and the Suncoast News (suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2009/feb/15/sp-palm-harbor-university-rules-state-in-class-5a/areasports/)which were used to write this story.

Here’s the SP Times Blog of the game from Bryan Burns blogs.tampabay.com/preps/2009/02/phu-george-jenk.html

Video from Channel 10 News including Anja’s goal can be seen at video.aol.com/video-detail/palm-harbor-girls-win-state/3050502514.

ESPN's Rise FAB 50 rankings listed George Jenkins #2 Nationally before this game and PHU #33. New rankings are posted on Tuesday. Let's see what changes then...