University Heights Academy got off to a great start, but host Henderson County came back to claim a 3-1 decision in a physical 2nd Region semifinal match on Wednesday.
The Colonels (13-6-1) will meet Madisonville-North Hopkins (19-5) for the regional championship on Thursday. That match is set for 6 p.m. in Henderson.
The Blazers, who finish the season with a 14-7 record, needed just 51 seconds to put the ball in the net in the semis.
Preston Thomas was tripped up in the box resulting in a penalty kick. Ethan Hale hammered home the PK to stake UHA to a quick 1-0 advantage.
Henderson knotted the game in the 6th minute. Jack Gentry finished in front off a crossing pass from Braeden Myers-Curry to make it 1-1.
The Colonels went up 2-1 in the 22nd minute when Elijah Siewert scored on the rebound off a shot by Gentry.
University Heights hung within a single goal until late in the contest, but Henderson dictated play for much of the second half.
The Colonels gained some breathing room in the 68th minute when Siewert finished off a shot in front after the ball bounced around loose following a cross from Carter Denton.
Henderson held a 19-7 advantage in shots.
Zavier Cruse made three saves in the Colonel net.
Quinton Quarles made nine stops for UHA, including a pair of sterling saves in the first half to keep the match 1-1 at the time.
