For the second time in three years, Murray will host University Heights Academy in an All-A Classic Sectional doubleheader to decide who goes to the state tournament this weekend in Frankfort.
The last two girls’ sectional contests between the Lady Blazers and Lady Tigers have been decided with a penalty kick shootout. Murray won at home two years ago, and UHA won on its home field last year.
UHA [3-1] outscored Lyon County and Crittenden County by a combined 16-1 to win its 12th straight All-A region title.
Murray [2-4] rolled to another All-A region title with wins over Mayfield and St. Mary by a combined score of 18-0. The Lady Tigers have been outscored 12-1 in losses to Marshall County, Calloway County, Henry County [Tenn.], and McCracken County.
UHA and Murray have met in the All-A sectional round 11 straight years with Murray winning nine of those. Last year, the Lady Blazers snapped a five-year losing streak to Murray to advance to their first All-A Classic State Tournament since 2013.
The girls’ contest is scheduled for a 5:30 start Thursday at the Mallory France Soccer Complex. The winner will play Saturday morning at nine against either Kentucky Country Day or Walton-Verona at Capitol View Park in Frankfort.
Meanwhile, the guys play Thursday at 7 pm in a repeat of two years ago when Murray beat the Blazers in the penalty kick round.
UHA [3-0] has been impressive in outscoring its opponents 26-1 to start the season. Senior William Bryan has scored 18 of the Blazers’ 26 goals and assisted on six others.
Murray has won four straight contests after losing to Marshall County 2-0 to open the season.
Thursday’s winner will play Saturday night at seven at Capitol View Park in Frankfort against either Lexington Christian Academy or Somerset.
All-A Classic officials said no general admission tickets will be available on the day of the tournament. Each school will be given a limit of 60 tickets per team. They also said face coverings for spectators will be required at all times, and no concessions will be available at the game site.
There will be no make-up date in the case of rain or inclement weather.
