When Robinson defeated Osceola on Tuesday night by a score of 3-2, the Lady Knights knew what was next. They had finally gotten past the regional semifinals after so many heartbreaking losses in the past five years, but staring them in the face was Merritt Island (26-0-2), the 14th-ranked team in the state and the top team in 3A.

After a two-hour trip to the other side of the state, Robinson played the defending regional champions tough through one half, entering the break with the game scoreless.

“The whole team had some reservations about playing a team we knew was so strong, but playing them to a tie in the first half really boosted our confidence,” team captain Sarah Jennewein (’17) said. “[It] allowed us to step up and make plays as a team without being tentative.”

Merritt Island came out hot in the second half, netting the game’s first goal five minutes in. Just a couple of minutes later, they extended the lead to 2-0. By the time the clock ran out on Robinson’s season, the scoreboard read 3-0 in favor of Merritt Island, who won their third straight regional title.

“They were a strong team, but by no means exceptional, which I think we were able to prove tonight by putting up such a great fight,” Jennewein said. “One thing we pride ourselves on as a team is never giving up during a game and we continued that tonight, working until the final play.”

The season came to an end for the Lady Knights, but not before they made school history. A season of up-and-downs hit its peak when Robinson secured a fifth straight district championship and picked up back-to-back wins over Boca Ciega and Osceola to clinch a spot in the regional finals for the first time ever.

Soccer cleats tore up the grass at Jack Peters Field for three months, but the Lady Knights’ 2015-2016 milestones will last much longer.