Polk State women’s soccer played No. 2 Daytona State College to a 1-1 draw Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Lakeland. Polk State held a 1-0 lead for nearly 60 minutes before Daytona State tied the match in the 90th minute. Polk State entered the contest with a 4-3-2 overall record and a 0-2-1 FCSAA record.
Riley Whale put Polk State ahead in the first half with a goal from more than 30 yards. Brooke Voorhees scored Daytona State’s tying goal with a header in the 90th minute. The result left Polk State less than a minute from a victory over the two-time reigning national champions.
Goalkeeper Sofia Zapata made 10 saves for Polk State as Daytona State held a 28-5 advantage in shots. Jaycie Noble led Polk State with three shots, while Isabella O’Sullivan recorded one. Polk State’s defense and Zapata kept Daytona State from taking the lead until the final minute.
Head coach Dee Shivraman praised Polk State’s effort against No. 2 Daytona State College.
“This was a phenomenal team effort from our group,” Shivraman said. “I’m just crushed that we didn’t get the win, but at the same time, I’m very, very proud of what they accomplished today. That’s no ordinary opponent. That’s a back-to-back national champion with great players and coaching. I just can’t say enough about our effort and how our kids represented Polk State today.”
Shivraman also credited Zapata, Kaylin Allen, Whale, O’Sullivan, Jaiden Robert, Jordan Robert and Sophia Henriques.
“Sofia made some incredible saves; she was our MVP today,” Shivraman added. “Kaylin Allen was a warrior in the midfield. Riley Whale andIsabella O’Sullivan were nuisances for them today. Credit to Jaiden Robert, Jordan Robert, Sophia Henriques. It was a roll-up-your-sleeve, blue-collar effort today.”
What comes next for Polk State
Polk State women’s soccer has an extended break before its next scheduled contest. Polk State is scheduled to play at Eastern Florida State College on Oct. 8, 2026. The contest will be the team’s next listed match after the draw with Daytona State.
FSB Take
Polk State secured a 1-1 draw against No. 2 Daytona State College after leading for nearly 60 minutes. Whale’s long-range goal and Zapata’s 10 saves kept Polk State in position to win despite the 28-5 shot deficit. The result gives Polk State a strong showing against a nationally accomplished opponent before its Oct. 8 contest at Eastern Florida State College.
Source: Original report