LAKELAND – Polk State Soccer’s first time through Region 8 play did not end in a victory. No. 12 Daytona State College pulled away with four goals in the second half to down the Eagles on Wednesday afternoon, 6-1.
Alyse Then got the scoring started for Daytona State with an early goal. After putting up two goals and an assist against Trinity Baptist College JV over the weekend, Noemi Casiquestayed hot for Polk State. Her first-half goal served as the equalizer and briefly gave the Eagles (1-4, 0-3 Region 8) momentum. Paul Cortijo Garrido was credited with her first career assist.
Sienna Gillespie scored later in the half to put the Falcons ahead for good. From there, Daytona State rolled. The five-goal defeat serves as the most lopsided loss for Polk State since October 2019.
Despite the six goals allowed, goalkeepers Leona Kraus and Isabella Ruiz came through with impressive saves during the match. The two combined for eight. Casique, Madison Caustic, and Natasha Muchakati each finished with shots on goal for the Eagles.
With Polk State closing all operations in preparation for Hurricane Helene, Friday’s home match against Pasco-Hernando State College has been postponed to Tuesday. Match time is scheduled for 4 p.m.
