University Heights Academy’s run as 2nd Region All A Classic girls’ soccer champion was impressive. But there will be a new champ in 2022.
Caldwell County brought an end to UHA’s reign on Tuesday, getting a hat trick from freshman Aliya Towns while defeating the Lady Blazers 3-1 in semifinal action in Princeton.
University Heights had won 13 straight All A regional titles. The last team other than UHA to wear the 2nd Region crown was Lyon County in 2008.
Meanwhile, Caldwell had endured a 14-match winless streak against the Lady Blazers going back to 2011. The teams tied twice during that time, but UHA still entered Tuesday’s meeting with a 14-10-3 advantage all-time.
University Heights (2-2) got off to a strong start when Audrey Perry found the net in the 3rd minute of play.
UHA generated the better scoring opportunities in the first half, but Caldwell got to halftime with a 1-1 tie when Towns scored with help from Keegan Miller in the 23rd minute.
The Lady Tigers (3-0) were the aggressors after the break, with Miller and Towns hooking up on a corner kick in the 58th minute to push Caldwell in front.
Towns picked up her third goal in the 78th minute when UHA tried to clear a ball sent in front by Mariah Merritt and the ball ricocheted off Towns and went in the net to make it 3-1.
Shots were even at 5-5 in the first half, but Caldwell ended the night with a 15-8 advantage.
Rachel McClung made six saves for the Lady Tigers while Lucy Wilkins had eight stops in the UHA net.
Caldwell will next host Crittenden County on Saturday at 6 p.m. for the 2nd Region All A Classic championship. The Lady Rockets (1-0-1) routed Fort Campbell 8-1 in Tuesday’s other semifinal match.
Because Caldwell will now be playing on Saturday, the Lady Tigers’ scheduled date at Lyon County on Friday night has been canceled.
