MIA Girls Deliver Win at Home

It was a night for ceremony as Marco Island Academy played its first games on their new home field. The stands were full and many of those responsible for the school’s move into their sparkling new campus were on hand for opening night of Steve and Barbara Slaggie Manta Ray Field. But the moment was not too big for the MIA girls soccer team as they took the field and downed Donahue Catholic, 3-1, behind two goals from junior captain Eva Cartwright.

“It was a very significant match,” said Omar Rodriquez, Rays head coach, “from an overall school program aspect. How it played out for the girls to stay focused throughout the match, claw their way back into the game and end up making history on what is now truly considered our home field.”

Sommar Kashey scored the first goal at Manta Ray field at the 29:16 mark of the first half.

“Sommar scored just after being subbed in,” Rodriquez said, “she received a great pass from Ava Cartwright.

Donahue tied things up with 4:39 left in the first half. The teams were tied 1-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Cartwright scored both of her goals to bring the win home for the Rays.

“We’ve been trying to have Ava trust in her ability to use her left foot,” Rodriquez said. “She demonstrated the in both of her goal. They were both great shots.”

The win improves the Rays record to 2-2. Rodriquez sees his teams coming together.

“I’m extremely proud of our progression through these first few games,” Rodriquez said. “I’m excited to continue improving.”

Rodriquez has four captains for this year’s squad: Seniors Taylor Drott and Virginia Lowe, junior Ava Cartwright, and sophomore Helen Totten.