On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the St. Thomas Aquinas Girls’ soccer team departed for Lake Myrtle to play in the state semifinals game the following day.  At 7:00 p.m on Thursday, the Lady Raiders played against Lakewood Ranch High School for a spot in the final game against Bartram Trail High School at the Lake Myrtle Soccer Stadium. Arriving the day before gave the girls enough time to rest and prepare for the game the next day.

The STA Raiders came out of the locker room knowing that if they didn’t defeat Lakewood Ranch, they would not advance to the state finals and would not have the chance to return as champions. While getting ready in the locker room, the Raiders listened to music to hype them up. Before they went on the field, the captains gave the team inspirational and motivational speeches. When the first whistle blew, they were motivated and ready to play.

After a challenging 80 minutes on the field, the Lady Raiders earned a win of 2-0. The first goal was a long ball from the center back, Dakota Harell, then to Sophie Barnes. Sophie dribbled through the defense and saw sophomore, Alexa Strickler, sprinting down the field wide open. She played a through-ball to Alexa, then she shot it and scored the first goal for the Raiders. The second goal was a through-ball from midfielder, Bianca Raskin, to the junior forward, Madison McKeon, for a 1v1 with the opposing goalkeeper. Madison passed it around the keeper into the back of the net, bringing the score to 2-0.  

The girls’ loss last year during the semifinals was devastating, but it provided motivation to this year’s team. This year, the  Lady Raiders won and advanced to the finals against Bartram Trail. Coach Brian Hantak gave the MVP award to the left back, Alexa Strickler. She not only acted as a wall in the defense, but she also created opportunities in the offense, including the crucial goal she scored.