The Chandler Seton Catholic girls soccer team is enjoying its first season in 4A Division II.
“They’re playing with so much excitement, so much intensity right now, we’re just having a great time,” coach Casey Tate said.
And it showed Wednesday night, as the second-seeded Sentinels defeated sixth-seeded Tucson Palo Verde 5-0 in a semifinal match in the state tournament at Phoenix College.
Seton extended its winning streak to nine games as it improved to 16-4. The Sentinels will play Flagstaff at 5 p.m. Friday for the championship at the Arizona State University soccer stadium.
Seton moved up to 4A-II this season, and the Sentinels had won six consecutive state championships in 3A-1A.
Seton got its first goal on senior Eleanor Beatty’s header with 36:31 remaining in the first half. The Sentinels’ second goal was made by senior Nicole Celestino, whose shot went to the left of the goalkeeper and found the back of the net with 13:41 remaining in the first half.
The Sentinels scored their third goal of the first half when senior Jenna Bowers booted a shot to the left of the goalkeeper with 1:51 remaining. That was her fifth goal of the state tournament.
“I think it was key that we scored first,” Tate said. “By jumping out ahead early, that sent a message.”
And it was received.
Sophomore Colleen Amrhein scored the final two goals for Seton. She scored on a header with 32:54 remaining in the second half. She then kicked it past the goalkeeper with 18:12 remaining.
Both goals were assisted by Bowers.
Junior Molly Barlow recorded 10 saves en route to the shutout.
