The Greenwood girls’ soccer team punched its ticket to the District 14 title game with a 5-0 win over South Warren on Wednesday at Warren East High School.

The No. 2-ranked Lady Gators, who also clinched a spot in next week’s Region 4 tournament, will now get another chance at Bowling Green – the only in-state opponent to beat Greenwood this season – in the championship game at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Warren East.

“We wanted to come out here and make sure that we focused on this game first,” Greenwood coach Zach Salchli said. “I think the girls really did that. We moved the ball really well. We got good looks at (the) goal and finished the ones we needed to. I thought it was a good overall game.”

Greenwood (18-2-1) cruised to a 10-0 win over the Spartans in the regular season, but Wednesday’s postseason rematch was a little closer – although the Lady Gators were still in control throughout.

Anna Haddock scored in the seventh minute when the ball deflected off a South Warren defender right to her in front of the box. Rachel Heltsley added a goal in the 18th minute with an off-balance shot from about 20 yards out.

“It was really important for us to really set the tone for the game,” Heltsley said. “I think we came out a little shaky at first, but we got where we wanted to be. When we play our best game and we are confident in ourselves, we do our best.”

Heltsley added her second goal early in the second half and Haddock followed with her second goal in the 58th minute to extend the lead to 4-0. Roxanna Saifizadeh capped the scoring with a goal in the 60th minute.

Greenwood finished with 26 shots – 19 on goal. South Warren (10-9-1) was held to four shots – two on goal. The Spartans’ first shot on goal came in the 59th minute.

“We had a session last night where we focused just on the defensive third of the field, making sure we were prepared for any situations,” Salchli said. “Laura Hasani – we practiced for how she plays and made sure we were aware at all times where she is. Kinsey Nelson, the same thing. I thought we did a good job containing those two.”

Elizabeth DeMarse saved both shots for the Lady Gators. Therese Bohnlein had 13 saves for South Warren.

“We came in and mixed it up, knowing we had to do something different from last time,” South Warren coach Andrew Hutto said. “As coaches we tried to put the team in the best position we could and let the girls do the rest. They played their hearts out.

“We never like ending on a loss, but I have to give it up to our senior class. We had 10 seniors and I told them going off the field that I would not have wanted anybody else with me this season. They were really a rock for us. We are going to miss them next year, but we have some good things to build on.”

Greenwood will now face Bowling Green, which rallied from two down to beat the Lady Gators 3-2 last month.

“They played great that game and we probably let a few go,” Salchli said. “That gives us a little energy coming into this. I think the girls know we really need to stay focused. Bowling Green has gotten better and better throughout the year and I think we have as well. We are about to see two of the top 10 teams in the state play tomorrow night, which is going to be a really great game.”

Heltsley said she is looking forward to getting another chance to face the Lady Purples.

“It’s always a big game,” Heltsley said. “We know they are a good team. Last time I think we didn’t really do what we do best. I hope we have a different outcome (on Thursday).”{&end}