Lots of emotion, some controversy and a late game-winning goal — Wednesday’s All A Classic sectional contest between University Heights Academy and Murray had all of those.
In the end, it was Kendall Hancock’s goal in the 76th minute that ultimately gave the Lady Blazers the sectional championship with a 2-1 triumph at UHA’s Givens Field.
University Heights (8-1) advances to the state All A Classic in Louisville Sept. 23-24 as one of eight teams remaining in the “small school” tournament.
Murray (8-4) seemed to grab the momentum in the 71st minute when it tied the match 1-1.
The UHA defense did a stellar job much of the night of limiting good looks for the Lady Tigers. But Kendyll English’s blast from beyond the top of the box was almost unstoppable, finding the upper left corner of the net to tie the sectional matchup.
Murray, the 1st Region All A champion, held a 14-10 advantage in shots in the contest. Twice the Lady Tigers just missed on long free kicks — one hitting off the top of the crossbar in the first half and another in the 65th minute sailing just over the net.
As for controversy, the teams battled through a scoreless first half before UHA broke the ice in the 48th minute — or so the Lady Blazers thought.
Following a corner kick by Audrey Perry, a ball in front was apparently punched just across the line by Skylar Cantrell before a Murray defender could get a foot on it and try to clear it.
Officials, though, let play continue for almost a full minute, before the next dead ball led to a referees’ discussion, which ultimately resulted in a goal being awarded to the Lady Blazers.
Murray protested to the point that one supporter was removed from the facility. Another Lady Tiger fan was ejected by game officials late in the contest.
Maddie Williams made six saves in the UHA net, including some big stops in the last 10 minutes.
With the game knotted 1-1 late, Alyssa Grise sent the ball ahead to Hancock in front of the net. Hancock’s first shot was blocked by Murray goalkeeper Ella Parker, but the ball came back to Hancock, who punched it into the open right side of the net to come up with the game-winner.
University Heights had dropped its last two matchups with Murray before taking Wednesday’s thriller.
