George Jenkins holds off New Smyrna Beach

LAKELAND — In a physical, fast-moving playoff game, George Jenkins (11-7-1) won its sixth consecutive match a 3-2 win over visiting New Smyrna Beach Friday night.

The victory puts George Jenkins (11-7-1) in the Class 6A, Region 3 girls soccer finals on Tuesday. The Eagles will host Martin County (16-2-2) at 7 p.m., with the winner moving on to the state final four.

“They played four back and kept attacking down the sidelines,” said George Jenkins athletic director Jestin Bailey, who has filled in most of the season. He said some players got hurt, “but we are hitting our stride and having some fun.”

The Eagles jumped out early as junior forward McKenna Kham took a corner kick from junior Lexi Aqui. The Barracudas (9-8-1) came back to tie the game at 1-1 two minutes later.

With 10 minutes left in first half, Aqui was fouled in the box and nailed the penalty kick for a 2-1 margin.

Midway through the second half, George Jenkins leading scorer Jenna Daniel scored on a breakaway that turned out to be the game-winner. It was the junior forward’s 16th goal of the season.

New Smyrna Beach scored again with six minutes remaining, but the Eagles were able to burn the remaining time. 

Senior goalkeeper Alexandra McCarty had four saves.

“We haven’t had this much fun and success for so long,” Bailey said.