Christian County had its chances early to build a lead on Hopkinsville. But it was their last chance that proved to be successful as Emma Fleming’s goal with less than two minutes left lifted the Lady Colonels to a 1-0 win over Hopkinsville in the district semifinals.
Christian County will play University Heights for the championship Thursday night.
The Lady Colonel defense has been feast or famine this year but has played well against their crosstown rivals. Hoptown edged Christian County 1-0 back on Sept. 15 in their only meeting of the season.
Christian County outshot Hopkinsville 7-1 in the first half with the first Lady Tiger shot coming with 9:50 left in the half. Lady Colonel defender Addie Piatt was instrumental in chasing down several attempts Hoptown made to sneak a long pass through for a shot. Despite the advantage, the score remained nil at the break.
Hopkinsville picked up their offensive tempo in the second half and outshot the Lady Colonels 6-5 in the second half. But the Lady Colonel defense along with the play of Alaina Grace in goal kept Hoptown off the board. Both Grace and Hoptown goalie Vy Nguyen had seven saves in the contest.
With less than two minutes left, Fleming stole a pass, made two defenders miss, and sent a left-footer into the corner of the net for the game’s lone goal.
It’s the second time in three years that Christian County has ended Hopkinsville’s season in the district semifinals. The Lady Tigers, who have only two seniors on its roster, see their season end with a record of 4-3. Their season included a two-week quarantine due to COVID-19.
Christian County improved to 3-7-1 and will play University Heights for the district title Thursday at 5 pm. UHA beat the Lady Colonels 8-2 on Sept. 30.
