EAST MANATEE — As time wound down Tuesday night, Nikki Gainey jogged off the field to wild applause from Braden River’s girls soccer team.
It was senior night, and Gainey, a Pirates forward, played her last regular-season home game.
The senior went out in grand fashion.
Gainey scored two goals, and netted her 100th-career goal, as Braden River thrashed Sebring 4-0 in Class 4A-District 10 action.
“I didn’t expect to get it (Tuesday),” said Gainey, the Pirates’ all-time leading goal scorer. “I think we just gave it our best, and played hard for the seniors. I think we were just ready to play.”
The Pirates proved that early.
In the 20th minute, Gainey’s penalty kick zoomed around a wall of Sebring defenders, and into the upper right corner of the net.
“I only practice that kick before games,” she said.
Madison Pearson followed Gainey’s lead.
Twelve minutes later — and about 15 yards away from goal— Pearson kicked a high bouncer toward Sebring’s goalie. As the ball neared the goal, it took a big bounce over the goalkeeper’s head and glanced off her fingertips and into the back of the twine.
Braden River 2, Sebring 0.
The Pirates had 10 shots on goal in the first half, while Blue Streaks (6-7-2, 6-5-1 in district) recorded one attempt.
“We’ve been working on our ball-possession skills, and making sure we can control the tempo of the ballgame,” Braden River coach Kevin Bates said.
“The girls have really come together, and they worked hard over the break and didn’t take much time off, and it shows on the field.”
The Pirates (11-1-1, 10-1) are battling district foe Palmetto for the No. 1 seed with the district tournament looming.
Braden River lost to the Tigers earlier in the season and knows every game down the stretch is pivotal.
They played with urgency against Sebring, and didn’t let up in the second half.
In the 56th minute, Gainey fired a kick from the corner that skipped under Sebring’s goalie’s arms to record her milestone goal. Braden River’s Ashley Nelson ended the scoring with a goal three minutes later.
Braden River outshot the Blue Streaks 10-1 after intermission.
“We passed the ball really well, and we were talking a lot,” said Gainey, who scored the program’s first goal as a freshman.
“We want to be first in district. As a senior, we try to bring up everybody spirits and don’t let them hang their heads.
“For the younger players, we try to set an example and build up our program like we’ve been doing since I was a freshman.”
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