A streak has to start at one.
After breaking a 22-year playoff streak last season with a first-round loss in the District 1-3A tournament, the Gulf Breeze Dolphins are determined to start another long playoff streak.
The first of what the Dolphins are hoping to be many consecutive playoff appearances was locked up Wednesday night with an 8-0 win over the Washington Wildcats.
Now, the Dolphins (19-3-4) will turn their attention to the District 1-3A championship game, which will pit them against West Florida on Friday night at Dolphin Stadium.
The Jaguars advanced to the championship game with a 1-0 win over Pensacola in the evening's opening game Wednesday. Andrea Rivera scored in the 76th minute to propel West Florida to the victory in a defensive standoff.
"Last year was difficult," Gulf Breeze coach Ryan Davenport said. "There was a lot of disappointment in the players, in the program. Obviously with the history of this program, it was a disappointing season for everybody.
"We regrouped, we did our FSU team camp over the summer and coming into the season I really thought the camaraderie and believe of the girls was high. It's a big group of girls, and just the belief and confidence they have in each other has made a big difference this year, as opposed to last year."
In Wednesday's tournament semifinal against Washington, that confidence was certainly on display.
Korrie Abernathy put the Dolphins up 1-0 just two minutes in, and Washington couldn't slow Gulf Breeze the rest of the way.
When it was all said and done, eight different players drove home goals for the Dolphins to invoke the mercy rule at the 66th minute on Victoria Price's goal which made it 8-0.
"Victoria, that was her first goal of the season, so I think we're up to 19 different goal scorers throughout the season," Davenport said. "Eight different goal scorers, that's a testament to how well these girls work together and how they can move into a different position.
"They did a great job tonight. I was very pleased. It took us a little while to settle down and create some space and get our shape back. Once we started finding the passing lanes and finding the angles, it was pretty much downhill from there."
Freshman Olivia Johnson scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Dolphins. Junior Alyssa Pejic also added a goal and assist to help the Dolphins.
Friday's championship game is set for 7 p.m. at Dolphin Stadium. Gulf Breeze swept West Florida in the regular season, but Davenport expects another tough battle.
"I know when we played West Florida here earlier in the season they came out and striked a goal against us right off the bat," Davenport said. "We came back pretty strong and got two back and won that one. The second time playing them, they played us pretty strong as well, and we beat them 1-0.
"We're definitely not coming into this one lightly. They are a good team with talented players and our girls know they will be ready to play."
District 1-3A Tournament
At Gulf Breeze
Gulf Breeze 8, Washington 0
Gulf Breeze (19-3-4) -- Goals: Korrie Abernathy, Kiersten Edlund, Allison Proctor, Olivia Johnson, Frances Harpole, Alyssa Pejic, Sara Papantonio, Victoria Price; Assists: Pejic, Mollie Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Alex Santiago. Keeper: Mollie Johnson.
Next -- Gulf Breeze plays West Florida at 7 p.m. Friday in District 1-3A tournament championship.
At Gulf Breeze
West Florida 1, PHS 0
West Florida (13-6-2) -- Goal: Andrea Rivera. Saves: Morgan Duckworth 2, Brianna Wisnewski 4.
PHS -- Saves: April Westmark 5.
Next: West Florida plays Gulf Breeze at 7 p.m. Friday in District 1-3A tournament championship.
Pace 1, Navarre 0
Pace is headed to the District 1-4A final after shutting out Navarre.
Kaitlyn Burkhart blocked 16 shots, and Hannah Abrams netted an unassisted goal to lift the Patriots (12-1-4) past the host team.
The Patriots will face Niceville for the district title at 7 p.m. Friday.
District 1-4A Semifinals
At Navarre
PACE1, NAVARRE 0
Pace (12-1-4) -- Hannah Abrams. Assist: Eleana Holden. Saves: Kaitlyn Burkhardt 16.
Navarre (11-8-4) -- Julianna DeSalle 5.
Next: Pace vs. Niceville on Friday.
