PALM HARBOR — To reach the region final for the first time since 2008, and to fill in the blank on its glittering postseason run, East Lake knew it would have to vanquish its greatest tormenter, Palm Harbor University.
The Eagles had not beaten the Hurricanes in more than three seasons. It appeared East Lake would fall short again Friday when PHU’s Kelly Phipps scored three minutes into regulation.
But the Eagles did not panic, tying the score in the second half on a goal by Karina White.
Then in the final two minutes, East Lake went ahead when White hit a shot from 30 yards away that ricocheted off the top crossbar and bounced back into play. Sydney Nelson was in the right spot at the right time, heading in the ball for what turned out to be the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.
“Honestly, this is one …
