Bulldogs cruise to 8-0 win over South Sumter
Senior Madison Poe scored her third hat trick of the season to lead Zephyrhills to an 8-0 win over visiting South Sumter to put an exclamation point on the 2022 senior night.
On the evening where they honored seniors Poe, Emmalise Feliciano, Taryn Henry, Jaylene Herrera, Grace Hoppe and Bre Rood, the Bulldogs made a statement notching their third 8-0 win in the last four games. Zephyrhills improved to 7-11-1 on the season and have won four straight and five of their last six.
In Wednesday’s dominant win, Poe ended the game with four goals to bring her season total to 18. Adding to the winning cause was Kyli Cruite with two goals, Chloe Price and Feliciano had one goal apiece.
“Poe is electric every night,” said Head Coach Katie Jeffcott. “There is never a game where she doesn’t put in 199 percent. I can’t ask for anything else. She has the work ethic and the skill. I couldn’t ask for a better player.”
Prior to the game Jeffcott handed out season awards with Poe getting the Offensive Player of the Year honor and Jaylene Herrera getting the defensive honor.
Poe is chasing a family scoring record set by her older brother Josh Fiallo, who had 18 in a season. She has the record tied and it looks like she’ll easily break it with her dedicated family in the stands.
“I’ve never had a game without somebody there,” said Poe. “Either it’s my grandma, my aunt and uncles or my mom and dad in the stands supporting me. I have a family on the field too. I made lifetime friends I met through this team.
The seniors have four games remaining to help their team to a possible 10-win season. With seven wins, the Bulldogs have recorded the most victories than any other team in the last 15 years.
“This is the most fun this year so far,” said Henry. “I feel like we’re leaving something behind for the next teams to luck up to.”
Players are singing the praises of head coach Katie Jeffcott, who sent her six seniors off in with gifts and a framed jersey.
“This was an amazing night,” said Feliciano, who scored her first goal of the season. “Coach made this absolutely amazing for us. This is the best team I’ve ever had. I know coach loves us and the team. We are all a family at this point.
“It’s great to come and practice with these people, I love to play games with these people and to call these people my friends.”
Jeffcott returned to the praise for her players.
“This is the best team I’ve coached and the best team Zephyrhills high school has seen in over a decade,” said Jeffcott. “Most of the success is the tenacity and the drive of these girls.”