Boyd-Buchanan's Emma Rogers, left, attempts a header on a corner kick as goal keep Payten Perry just misses with the hand. Rogers' header missed but Boyd defeated East Ridge 7-0, in Region 3-A/AA soccer semifinal game at Boyd-Buchanan.
Boyd-Buchanan's Emma Rogers (13) gains control of from East Ridge's Anna Villegas (27) in Tuesday's Region 3-A/AA soccer semifinal game at Boyd-Buchanan. The Buc's won 7-0.Boyd-Buchanan's Lady Buccaneers have had to play all high school soccer season trying not to think about their chances of winning that elusive region championship. Well, they can start thinking about it now.
With the first goal coming 3:36 into Tuesday's match, the Lady Bucs cruised past East Ridge 7-0 in a Region 3-A/AA semifinal at Boyd-Buchanan.
Boyd-Buchanan (14-4), which now owns the single-season school record for victories, will host fellow District 5 member Arts & Sciences on Thursday for the region championship. CSAS advanced by edging District 6 champion Hixson 2-1.
"I hate playing a team three times," said Boyd-Buchanan coach Todd Ledbetter, whose team is 2-0 against the Lady Patriots this season. "They know us. Plus there's the revenge factor. They're going to make the adjustments. Then I'll have to make adjustments. I think if we're efficient the way we were tonight, I think we can be successful."
Boyd-Buchanan and CSAS have earned berths in Saturday's state sectionals, where winners advance to the state tournament.
The Lady Bucs built on that early goal, increasing their lead against the Lady Pioneers to 2-0 within the first 10 minutes.
"I always stress giving no team hope," Ledbetter said. "I want to put them under pressure early and make sure they feel that pressure and keep on going."
The lead grew to 5-0 by halftime.
"I thought the first half we were very efficient offensively," Ledbetter said. "I thought we moved the ball well back and forth in front of the goal and put our chances in when we needed to. We controlled the game well, and I thought our possession was very good."
Emma Rogers led Boyd-Buchanan with a hat trick. Emily Hauke added two goals and Darryn Gould and Lindsey Hunkapiller contributed a goal apiece.
Haleigh Isanhart and Tate Gardenhire each had an assist. Keeper Ana Lafontaine was credited with the shutout.
The road to the region-championship match wasn't easy for the Lady Bucs, although they did win the district regular-season and tournament titles. They're missing two starters out with ACL tears, and two others have been out with season-long concussion injuries.
"This team really believes," Ledbetter said. "We've gotten a lot accomplished, and we've still got a lot to play for."
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him on Twitter @KelleySmiddie.