DELAND, Fla. – Lake Mary girls soccer completed its quest for back-to-back state championships, beating Cypress Bay 4-3 in penalty kicks.
The Rams improved to 20-2-1 on the season and retain the Class 7A state title.
“It’s unreal,” head coach Christian Eissele said after the game. “These kids are so special to me; they mean the world to me and my family. They work so hard every day. To see that hard work paying off and them reaching their goals is just super special.”
Freshman goalkeeper Lily Ellis made three saves in the penalty shootout. She said the first save helped calm her nerves, and she had a feeling Lake Mary could win it.
“Everything I ever dreamed of as a kid just came true right now,” Ellis said. “We’ve worked so hard, and this played out perfectly in our favor.”
The Rams had their chances to win in regular time. An early penalty kick in the first half for the Rams was blocked by Cypress Bay. In the second half, a Lake Mary shot rang off the crossbar.
Junior midfielder Kailey Susi made the final penalty kick to seal the championship for Lake Mary. She said all the penalty kicks in practice helped her be confident in the moment despite her nerves.
“This season couldn’t have been more perfect,” Susi said.