Pirates Capture Region Championship With Gritty Weekend in Tampa

The Pensacola State College Pirates hit the road Friday for a long trip to Tampa, facing Pasco-Hernando for the third and fourth time this season. With the Region Championship on the line, they needed at least a win or a draw to secure the title.

After hours on the bus, the Pirates arrived focused and energized. They started strong, finding their rhythm early in the first half. Their persistence paid off when Tamyrn DenHerder opened the scoring with a perfectly placed header. Not long after, Gracie Savoie broke through the defense and was fouled in the box, earning PSC a penalty. Vivian Kettenhausen stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, giving the Pirates a 2–0 lead heading into halftime.

At the break, the message was clear: stay composed, play their game, and enjoy the moment. The second half mirrored the first, with both teams creating chances. Late in the match, Makayla Motes pounced on a rebound to score the third goal, sealing a 3–0 victory and a clean sheet for PSC.

Saturday's rematch kicked off early, and signs of fatigue showed as the Pirates conceded a penalty in the opening minute, falling behind 1–0. Despite the early setback, PSC controlled much of the possession but struggled to break through in the final third.

At halftime, the team was reminded that one goal could change everything — and they responded. Teresa Herenandez linked up with Vivian Kettenhausen, who slotted home the equalizer to make it 1–1. Pasco briefly regained the lead off a corner kick, but the Pirates refused to back down. In the closing minutes, Emily Leonavicius delivered a pinpoint free kick to Sadie Van Tessell, who blasted a shot over the keeper to level the score at 2–2.

With the draw, the Pirates officially clinched the Region Championship, capping off a resilient and determined weekend of soccer. Next up, they face Mobile before turning their attention to the playoffs.