Somehow, it just wouldn't seem like the Central Coast Section soccer playoffs without the Presentation girls in the semifinals.
Well, the Panthers didn't disappoint. They pulled out a thrilling 1-0 victory over Palo Alto last weekend to advance to the CCS semifinals on Feb. 24, 3 p.m., at San Jose PAL Stadium against the No. 2-seeded St. Ignatius.
Presentation entered the CCS event as a relatively low seed. The No. 6-rated Panthers upset No. 3-seeded Palo Alto 1-0 to advance in the tournament.
The winner of the Wednesday game will advance to the CCS Division II championship round on Feb. 27, 12:30 p.m., at PAL. Top-seeded Mitty, a 1-0 winner over Aragon last weekend, plays Notre Dame-Belmont this week for the right to meet the Pres-SI winner in the title match.
The Panthers, 16-2-3 for the year, opened the playoffs with the 1-0 win over Paly last weekend at San Jose's Watson Bowl. Erica Timiraos knocked in the game's only goal with a second-half shot that broke a scoreless tie.
It was only fitting that Timiraos scored the game-winner for the Panthers. After all, the senior forward has been the team's leading scorer this season.
Timiraos now has 11 goals and 11 assists for the year to lead all Presentation scorers. Stephanie Neustadter and Jamie Moore are other top scorers for the Panthers with nine goals apiece.
Kristen Gordon, Kelly Sweitzer, Stacey Field, Alison Berthold, Julie Stamps, Megan Chimenti, Beth Gutto and Kelly Pryor have also been part of the Presentation scoring machine that has pounded in more than 60 goals this season.
Adrianne Rizzo, Julie Alves and Katie Murphy have helped out with assists.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
