The chum is in the water.
The nationally top-ranked Ponte Vedra High School girls soccer team kicks off its quest for a third straight state title this Thursday when the 13‑0‑2 Sharks host St. Augustine in the first round of the regional playoffs.
The surging squad boasts the No. 1 ranking in the country by both MaxPreps and United Soccer Coaches as they begin their pursuit of the threepeat.
Ponte Vedra comes into the postseason riding the momentum of back-to-back FHSAA Class 5A state championships, including last season’s dramatic 2‑1 win over Miami Lourdes Academy.
Dartmouth-bound Lily Morse has led Ponte Vedra all season, notching double-digit goals and adding several assists as the Sharks’ primary offensive threat.
Lulu Consunji, who will play at UCF, has contributed multiple goals while helping anchor the defense, and Charlotte Martin has added scoring and attacking support throughout the year.
Stingy goalkeeper Abby Kennedy is considered one of the best in the state and is committed to Vanderbilt, while Chloe Chandler has been a stalwart defender for the Sharks.
Much of the program’s sustained excellence is credited to decorated Head Coach Dave Silverberg, who has guided Ponte Vedra to five state championships and has nine overall across his coaching career, including four crowns at Nease.
The Sharks aren’t the only St. Johns County team making noise ahead of the playoffs.
Perennial power Bartram Trail, with a 13-2-4 record, is currently ranked 8th in MaxPreps state rankings, with 10-2-3 Creekside right behind them at number 9.
Bartram will face Lake Minneola in the first round of the playoffs, with Creekside set to clash against Flagler Palm Coast.
