By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
One goal is all Conner needed to win most of its girls soccer matches this season and the Cougars did that again in the 9th Region semifinals on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Notre Dame.
After Ashley Sweetay’s header off a cross by Milana Arevalo put the Cougars ahead in the 11th minute, they posted their 20th shutout of the season with the help of eight saves by senior goalkeeper Ally Welch on her team’s home field.
According to scores posted on the khsaa.org website, Conner had an 0-26 record against Notre Dame over the last 23 seasons. Eighteen of those matches were shutouts, including a 3-0 loss in last year’s region tournament.
The Cougars (22-2-1) advance to the 9th Region final for the first time and will take on Highlands (14-4-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday.
In the other semifinal match, Highlands defeated Dixie Heights, 2-1, with Gabby Simon scoring the deciding goal for the Bluebirds.
In the 10th Region semifinals on Wednesday, Brossart lost to George Rogers Clark in a penalty kick shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 tie.
Campbell County routed Harrison County, 8-0, in the other semifinal match with Kennedy Crowley and Jozie Holmes each getting two goals for the Camels.
The 10th Region final is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at Brossart. George Rogers Clark (13-3-2) won last year’s region title. Campbell County (13-8-3) was region runner-up in 2022 and region champion in 2021.
During the regular season, Campbell County lost twice to George Rogers Clark in August by matching scores of 3-1.
Boys soccer region tournaments
9th REGION AT DIXIE HEIGHTS
Thursday
Covington Catholic vs. Ryle, 5:30 p.m.
Highlands vs. Conner, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Championship match, 4 p.m.
10th REGION AT MASON COUNTY
Thursday
Brossart vs. George Rogers Clark, 6 p.m.
Mason County vs. Campbell County, 8 p.m.
Saturday
Championship match, 1 p.m.
Girls soccer region tournaments
9th REGION AT CONNER
Saturday
Championship match: Conner vs. Highlands, 1 p.m.
10th REGION AT BROSSART
Thursday
Championship match: Campbell County vs. George Rogers Clark, 7 p.m.
8th REGION AT CARROLL COUNTY
Thursday
Simon Kenton vs. Oldham County, 6 p.m.
Walton-Verona vs. South Oldham, 8 p.m.
Saturday
Championship match, 3 p.m.