2/4/25 - Alonso played its first game in the month of February since before many of its players were born.  It also proved to be their last game of the season.  Unfortunately, the outcome was not what the Ravens had hoped for when they got news the preceding Friday that they had made it into the Regional Quarterfinals for the first time since 2008.  There was no illusion that the game would be easy for the Ravens.  Alonso faced Palm Harbor just 12 days prior to this game and knew that the Hurricanes could strike from any part of the field.  PHU came into this game as the District Champions, ranked number 18 in the nation and number 1 in 7A (Florida) according to MaxPreps/FHSAA Maxpreps.  The score was 3-0 before the first water break (20 minutes).  From there, Alonso managed to regroup somewhat and hold PHU to three goals in the remaining 60 minutes.  Palm Harbor was the clearly superior team, but Alonso did show quite a bit of heart and skill in that second half, allowing in only two goals (one of which on a dubious penalty call).  There is a lot to learn from and grow from in these invaluable last several games that Alonso has played against some of the top talent in Florida.    

For their part, the Ravens can head into the offseason knowing that they are only losing three seniors and should be getting back two injured starters (one of which occurred in the first PHU game).  This experience has left the Ravens knowing that they can compete on a larger stage than in previous years and will hopefully serve as a measuring stick for future squads.

This memorable season is more than what was seen on the field.  This has been a building process that began three years ago.  The seniors in 2022-23 announced Alonso into the conversation.  After some growing pains with the '23-24 squad, this year's team has vaulted the program forward and has set Alonso up to be a team to watch as we begin the 2025-26 campaign.  It will be here quicker than most are willing to believe.  In August, the announcements will be made for that first meeting of the new season.  And we cannot wait!