Women's soccer team punches ticket to national tournament semifinals

The Eastern Florida State College women's soccer team is rolling into the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament semifinals.

The Titans scored five times for the second straight game, defeating No. 7 seed Gillette College 5-1 Wednesday in a Group B game.

Eastern Florida State College advances to the semifinals for the third straight season and fifth time in school history.

Freshman Julieta Limardo once again led the charge, scoring in the first minute of the contest on an assist from Aida Illas.

It would stay that way until Gillette tied it up when Kelsey Hogan headed a ball over goalkeeper Kiera Gibson who had come out to get the ball.

It was the first goal the Titans have given up this postseason and tied the game 1-1.

But less than a minute later, Paula Garrido answered with her 11th goal of the season to give the Titans a 2-1 lead. Four minutes later Viena Massale headed the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

"After they tied it up 1-1, we got it right back and then scored a second one. We were attacking and doing a good job of throwing numbers forward and scoring goals," Eastern Florida State College women's soccer coach Jeff Carr said. "I was excited about the effort tonight. After we gave up the goal, we came back and played very well."

The second half started much like the first – with the Titans scoring in the first minute of the contest. This time it was Aida Illas scoring on a penalty kick 56 seconds into the second half.

Limardo would round out the scoring with her second goal of the night and ninth of the season.

Eastern Florida State College President Dr. Jim Richey was at the game cheering on the Titans from the press box along with friends Scott Glover and Jeff Kiel.

"Very, very pleased that we are able to once agian host the national championship tournament, it's been a great boon for our area and our programs and the exposure we get through TV and the NJCAA," Richey said during halftime. "Tonight, our ladies are getting after it in a big way and playing a solid game."

The Eastern Florida State College women's soccer team is now 16-0 on the season and will face No. 3 seed Tyler Junior College in the national tournament semifinals at 1 p.m. No. 1 seed Monroe College will play No. 4 seed Lewis & Clark at 10 a.m. at Orlando Health Stadium at Eastern Florida State College.