Two Midlands SCISA teams eye state soccer titles

A look at the two Midlands teams in Saturday’s SCISA Soccer Championships, which will be played at Heathwood Hall High:

CARDINAL NEWMAN

SCISA GIRLS CLASS 3A: Cardinal Newman (16-9-1) vs. Ashley Hall (11-9)

In short: It’s the second straight season the Cardinals will be playing for a championship, and they’re looking for their first title since 2012. Cardinal Newman has lost only once to a SCISA school this year, Augusta Christian on March 7.

Cardinal Newman is 9-0-1 in its last 10 games and has allowed four goals during that span.

Ashley Hall is making its first title appearance and didn’t win its first playoff game in school history until last year.

Coach: Will Plexico

Players to Watch: GK Maria Cummings (0.77 goals against average); Ayden Boatwright (16 goals, 7 assists); Melinda Ingwersen (13 goals, 4 assists); Alex Rehling (7 goals, 1 assist); Tristan Millard (6 goals, 3 assists); Caitlin Murphy (6 goals, 8 assists)

HEATHWOOD HALL

SCISA BOYS CLASS 3A: Heathwood Hall (14-6-1) vs. Porter-Gaud (13-3-1)

In short: Heathwood gets to play at home as it makes its first tile appearance since 2005. Both of the Highlanders’ playoff victories came on the road, including Wednesday’s 2-1 win over defending champion Cardinal Newman.

Duke football signee Brandon Hill had the game-winning goal Wednesday and is the school’s all-time scoring leader. The Highlanders had just three shots on goal against Cardinal Newman, with two going for goals.

Heathwood has recorded shutouts in six of its final 11 games.

Coach: Andrew Richardson

Players to Watch: Brandon Hill (15 goals, 8 assists); Aidan Powers (6 goals, 11 assists); Matthew Quan (13 goals, 5 assists); Brandon McCullough (8 goals, 4 assists); GK Nygel Vaughn (1.09 goals against average)